Out to own today:
Anomalisa
 | “It’s so button-y. No, button-ish,” Lisa (Jennifer Jason Leigh) Charlie Kaufman (ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND, BEING JOHN MALKOVICH) turns his mind to human malaise so deep-seated it may be classified as depression. Not dour, his trademark wit and unique perspective brings a vibrancy added to the choice of storytelling: Stop-motion animation. (WALLACE AND GROMIT this is not.) Kaufman has gone Tennessee Williams, specifically ‘The Glass Menagerie’, as a man leaves emotional carnage in his wake. Portraying the callous is arguably easier than highlighting failures of imagination/empathy in emotional dealings; the latter is the focus here. [To read more, click here.] |
Queen of Earth
 | “Why are you being so confrontational?” Ginny (Katherine Waterston) to Catherine (Elisabeth Moss) Are you passive aggressive? Do you get a kick out of watching the passive aggressive in full swing? If yes to either/both, QUEEN OF EARTH could be the movie for you. Fear not, those who prefer their spats in your face, you will be catered for as well. Characters scraping against each in confined spaces and claustrophobic shots are awkwardly given dominant screen time. Respite is offered sparingly at the beginning of each scene before ramping up. Verbal emotional violence reminds of the scene in BATTLE ROYALE where the young women are getting along before homicidal rage replaces pleasantries. [To read more, click here.] |
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