Bastards

It is human to make mistakes, but only a fool would make the same mistake twice, I said to myself last year when I stumbled out of the movie theater after watching Holy Motors during the French Film Festival, feeling disgusted, and looking forward to avoiding similar mistakes in the future. A year has passed and I made the same blunder at the same event. A more detailed investigation would soon reveal to me that behind the name Claire Denis hides the author of an incredible film called Trouble Every Day, which occupies an honorable place among my top ten scariest film experiences. Denis is also an indefatigable worker at film festivals, where her creations are evaluated by a handful of film enthusiasts, so even though the film is featured in red, with only 22 ratings, it is somewhat confusing information. Denis has created a puzzle with her psychological drama through honest effort, which takes the form of a jumble due to the careful rearrangement of scenes - but don't worry, there are also other types of riddles. In some films, you clearly feel that the director doesn't care about the audience and is strictly pursuing their artistic vision. Claire, on the other hand, intentionally confuses the viewer. However, unlike other directors who pull the audience's strings, it is not entertaining. She is simply not Nolan or Lynch. The film drags on unbelievably and instead of making you think and provoking you, it bores. When you glance at your watch for the eighteenth time in five minutes, it is a certain signal that something is not right. With this kind of film, it is better to sit on the edge of the row because when you suddenly feel the urge to go to the bathroom, you are not obliged to disturb several fellow sufferers in the row. When the film finally limps towards its goal, you are already indifferent to where the point is hidden. The final impression is reminiscent of a festering inflammation. Those who are looking for something "different" and feel elevated above the usual film production might enjoy this film. Unlike Carax, Denis is not such a weirdo and her imagination is much more limiting, so don't expect any flight of fancy. Overall impression: 10%. (29/11/2013)