Movie reviews

FIGURANT (STRAWMAN)

Watchable. I missed the first few minutes so can't comment on the very opening. This black and white movie blends seamlessly with archive footage, blurring the lines between history and its enaction, but the plot is painfully simplistic and the film drags. Even the investigation is boring. Mateusz Więcławek skillfully portrays whatever complexity there is of his protagonist, using his facial expressions he complicates a bit his banally simple character, but there's only nominal tension in the last half an hour. Everyone's actions are uniform - within each character. Even if life was simpler in the 1960s, it doesn't sell well nowadays. But, gripes aside, top-notch sound, stylisation and the lead actor's aging by Waldemar Pokromski are perfectly fine. I also respect the way the disabled and other ethnicities are presented. 

WARSAW FILM FESTIVAL

WARSZTATY SZTUKA MONTAZU (THE ART OF FILM EDITING WORKSHOP) BY BEATA DZIANOWICZ AND RAFAL LISTOPAD

The director/writer and the editor of "Strzępy" talked about their co-operation. "Jałowe przebiegi" (idling) were normal when working on the project. A director makes 1 movie in 3 years, an editor 2-3 movies per year, a dresser over 157, so a director is the least experienced. The characters had full back stories since birth so the actors, the costume designer, the set decorator surprised her with how they made use of the info. Director Beata Dzianowicz recommended Łoziński's "Wszystko się może przytrafić" ("Anything Can Happen") which made me immediately apprehensive since I had walked out from that. The 3-hour workshop was little to the point. 

SUR L'ADAMANT (ON THE ADAMANT)

Watchable in pieces. For the location. I got to the screening 16 minutes late and don't regret it. What they say is all boring - only one piece of information may be useful: that with modern sewing machines you don't need to thread the needle. But the day centre for the mentally ill is stylish and comfy.  It's right on the Seine opposite the fashion design centre and across the Off Seine 4-star hotel. 

TEMPETE (RIDE ABOVE)

Watchable. I haven't read the novel it's based on: "Tempête au Haras" by Chris Donner. The movie is a formulaic family tale about overcoming one's limitations and about racing: horseback or modern-day horse-chariot so it'll appeal to horse lovers the most. But it's very pleasant on the whole. Warm colours, wonderful cinematography make everything look beautiful in all weather and seasons. The good ones win and (mild) villains learn a lesson. Heart-warming.