“Leviathan” is a downer of epic proportions. This story of Kolya, a sort-of modern-day Job, has a much less uplifting ending than the Bible story. The film dives into deep family issues, government corruption, and ultimately injustice. I actually fell asleep the first time watching this due to its slow moments, particularly the beginning, but once it gets going you'll be anxious to find out what happens next. You’ll think that you have the story figured out and then it turns in an entirely different direction. I was actually surprised that this was Russia’s Oscar submission for Best Foreign Film since it certainly is a stereotype. I can image that a lot of Russians are tired of being portrayed as vodka-drinking, gun-toting potty mouths, but this film does not give us any reason to believe otherwise. I expect that "Ida" will take the Oscar since it sends a stronger message and was so visually interesting, but this was still a decent film. The critics loved “Leviathan” and I believed that there is a lot to be gained by watching it, but I would definitely favor a shorter film with more memorable acting performances during the pre-Oscar viewing frenzy.
[Pictured: The film gains its momentum from the downward spiral of the characters' lives]
[Pictured: The film gains its momentum from the downward spiral of the characters' lives]
No comments:
Post a Comment