For the
sake of not having to write the same intro a million
different ways throughout the rest of time, just know that
this column avoids the overly long and sometimes dull
process of full film reviews and instead opts to break
things down based on what I thought going in, what happened
while I was there and what I learned at the end of it all.
Thanks for reading!
The
Breakdown - We Need To Talk About Kevin
The Impression:
Though cursed with an abbreviated filmography, Lynne Ramsay
is one of the more talented filmmakers working today.
Ratcatcher is such a somber, moody portrayal of
childhood amidst poverty and though I haven’t seen
Morvern Callar, I’ve heard only striking things. The
fact that her third film stars Tilda Swinton and features
posters reminiscent of Rosemary’s Baby only up the
excitement of the release of a new Ramsay film.
The Reality:
Know nothing about this film before going in. Nothing. Know
that Tilda Swinton continues to be the most intimidating
female presence in film. Know that Lynne Ramsay has a
particularly incredible visual eye and an editing team that
should be paid in treasure chests full of gold. Know that
this film will terrify you and horrify you and force you
from the theatre questioning everything about your family
and your life and the choices you’ve made. Know that the
Oscars, as always, bumbled it big time by not heaping
nominations and little gold men atop this film. Know that
We Need To Talk About Kevin is one of the great films of
the year and deserves a viewing by any red-blooded film fan.
Aside from that, know nothing. You’ll be pleasantly
horrified, I promise.
The Lesson:
Tilda Swinton + Lynne Ramsay = the closest thing possible to
divine cinema.
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