Rating: ★★★★☆
Last night marked the opening of the New Zealand International Film Festival, and we were eager to share our thoughts on one of the featured films, Anatomy of a Fall. This captivating film had previously won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival, and it certainly lived up to its accolades.
The script was the star of the show, filled with gripping dialogue that kept us on the edge of our seats. The way it played out in the film left us questioning whether the main character was guilty or not, adding to the intrigue and mystery. The editing techniques were also top-notch, particularly the use of intercut scenes during the courtroom drama, making it a visually engaging experience.
The performances were remarkable, especially the lead actress, who portrayed the grieving wife and caring mother with emotional depth. The blind son’s portrayal was equally impressive, displaying genuine panic and emotions during crucial scenes. The lack of score or background music in most of the film was a brilliant choice, allowing the acting and dialogue to shine even more. The film did lose a bit of steam in its final half-hour, which felt unnecessary and could have been trimmed down. However, the overall storytelling and the intricate details of the courtroom scenes kept us invested.
Anatomy of a Fall may not have reached the same level as other Palme d’Or winners like Triangle of Sadness or Parasite, but it remains a strong and compelling film. While it might not be a surefire Oscar winner, it definitely deserves consideration for a nomination.
The movie’s clever use of languages (both English and French) made it accessible and added an extra layer of authenticity to the narrative. The cinematography and camera work was also commendable, providing a seamless flow to the courtroom sequences.
Anatomy of a Fall is a well-rounded and engaging film that should be considered for anyone’s watchlist. It may not be a personal favorite for all, but it certainly left a lasting impression on us. We’d rate it an 8 out of 10, just shy of that exceptional mark, but still highly recommended for film enthusiasts looking for a thought-provoking experience.
Disclaimer: This film review has been summarized with the assistance of an AI language model.
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