film criticism by maryann johanson | handcrafted since 1997
The filmmaking craft may be (mostly) astonishing. But the craft must always — always — be in aid of a compelling story populated by compelling characters… and that’s not so much the case here.
Comfortably unchallenging French romantic drama, though it does Freudian-slip into implying that the engineer was only inspired to erect his soaring tower when an old flame reawakened his, er, heart.
I haven’t even seen this year’s winner, CODA, yet, so that one can’t be my answer…
Inspired by China’s new censoring of the ending of Fight Club, in the most bizarre way…
I’m thinking of events that haven’t already been covered on film, but if you’re aware of an unexplored angle on an event that has been seen onscreen, that’ll work, too.
Tell us about the really long films you have endured, either at home or in theaters.
We should be absolutely sick to death of all the cash-ins, pseudo-remakes and imitators. Where are they?
Quick takes from the 25th Raindance Film Festival, with public screenings in London through October 1st, 2017.
Cheesy Euro ballerina-porn cartoon is full of dated animation, cringeworthy attempts at humor, bizarre anachronisms, and a terrible message for little kids.
After a few quick nods to the profoundly unethical act at its core, it shrugs it off and uses it as the basis for its fairy-tale romance. This is not okay.
