(Flash Review)
This essentially does what minimal modern art did for the art world as it strips away much of what you expect a film to consist of yet still is able to (arguably) tell a conceptual story. This is less entertainment and more it a societal message with a director stripping a film down to almost less that its bare essentials.
The core to the plot is the corruption by money and in this story a forged bank note sparks the chain of events. About how a seemingly minor negative event can indirectly have a major impact on someone a few steps down a series of linked events. It sends a regular man down a cruel streak that turns him numb to his actions. Perhaps also his 40 days in solitary as well as the death of loved one are contributing factors. This film is far from straight-forward and makes the viewer apply thought to the meaning of earlier scenes to make sense of later scenes but overall touches on the downfall from the lust of money. Will the protagonist be able to counter his situation or fall prey to it? Even upon reflection, some questions remain but that's what you get from the French. A film that can be discussed over a cafe after the show.
This film had a raw and honest look and feel with extended shot duration with very minimal camera movement and matter of fact cinematography. Sparse dialog accentuated the true sound effects which seemed to be a character of their own, since the film was also void of music, such as the satisfying clicking sound of prison gates locking and unlocking. This is not for the casual viewer, best for viewers who want to ponder and discuss the director's approach to film making as well as the root story.
Fun fact if that even in a French jail the prisoners get wine with meals!!
This essentially does what minimal modern art did for the art world as it strips away much of what you expect a film to consist of yet still is able to (arguably) tell a conceptual story. This is less entertainment and more it a societal message with a director stripping a film down to almost less that its bare essentials.
The core to the plot is the corruption by money and in this story a forged bank note sparks the chain of events. About how a seemingly minor negative event can indirectly have a major impact on someone a few steps down a series of linked events. It sends a regular man down a cruel streak that turns him numb to his actions. Perhaps also his 40 days in solitary as well as the death of loved one are contributing factors. This film is far from straight-forward and makes the viewer apply thought to the meaning of earlier scenes to make sense of later scenes but overall touches on the downfall from the lust of money. Will the protagonist be able to counter his situation or fall prey to it? Even upon reflection, some questions remain but that's what you get from the French. A film that can be discussed over a cafe after the show.
This film had a raw and honest look and feel with extended shot duration with very minimal camera movement and matter of fact cinematography. Sparse dialog accentuated the true sound effects which seemed to be a character of their own, since the film was also void of music, such as the satisfying clicking sound of prison gates locking and unlocking. This is not for the casual viewer, best for viewers who want to ponder and discuss the director's approach to film making as well as the root story.
Fun fact if that even in a French jail the prisoners get wine with meals!!