By Roger Costa
SIRAT
Oliver Laxe’s transcendental, trippy and penetrating sci-fi road movie is an exquisitely inventive and authentic desert journey about a father seeking his missing daughter throughout the futuristic rave scenario. In this mysterious and dystopian atmosphere, resembling a post-Apocalyptic chaotic era, a group of road pirates lead the path to the search, while preparing for their next rave. Addressing an era of intolerance and resistance, not too far from our current reality, unpredictable and vibrant, Laxe crafts a mind-bending sensorial tale about compassion, empathy and surviving the extremes. One of this year’s best films.
(Awards Potential: Best International Film, Original Screenplay, Sound).
LATE FAME
Former NYFF director Kent Jones delivers a marvelous cinematic experience, a heart-warming and witty homage to New York and its artistic influences. In his second directorial effort, Jones proves to be a filmmaker to watch. One can feel all the passion put into this project, as it floats with love for cinema, the artistry of writing and the city that never sleeps. It is seen through an aging crisis and a once in a lifetime opportunity, as the great Williem Dafoe anchors one of this year’s most affecting performances. He plays a once-promising poet who becomes revered by a group of young students, forming a bond and rediscovering the pleasures of writing and collective work. But the age gap and the generational conflicts, as well as ego clashes, may play as hurdles in his way. Greta Lee is fascinating as a mysterious dancer, and she deserves some Awards attention. She steals every scene she is in, impossible to look away, and not to be seduced by her femme fatale persona. Same goes for Edmund Donovan; as the young intellectual pursuing the aging poet into his interests, he masterly devours his character, delivering a memorable one. Funny, melancholic and invigorating, this is a treasure of a film.
(Awards potential: Best Actor, Supporting Actor, Supporting Actress and Adapted Screenplay).
THE MASTERMIND
Gentle and adventurous, Kelly Reichardt’s latest incursion into the memories of American sociopolitical history centers on a male character rather than her usual feminine approaches. Josh O’Connor is perhaps the most charismatic outlaw you’ll see this year, a family man turned thief when he decides plotting a heist at a museum, dodging the risks of his criminal actions and his duty as a father. Using the backdrop of Nixon’s era and the shadows of war and paranoia, supported by a fantastic in-synch cast and an impeccable production design, the director conceived her most satisfying work in years.
(Awards Potential: Actor, Screenplay, Costumes).
NO OTHER CHOICE
Gorgeously shot and impressively designed, Korean master Park Chan-wook returns with a dazzling, bizarre and ultra-violent satire on capitalism and corruption. Fueled by cynicism and sharp commentary, it centers on a wealthy man who loses his job and starts “eliminating” the competition in order to get a new one. The most revered and sophisticated murder comedy of the year, this is a sure bet to compete for the top prize at the next Oscars. Darkly funny and provocative, Chan-wook returns to his essentials with this gory allegory on modern stability and the human condition. Plus, Lee Byung-hun gives a hilarious performance as the protagonist, one for the ages!
(Awards potential: Best Picture, Director, Actor, Actress, Best International Film, Production Design).
WITH HASAN IN GAZA
Kamal Aljafari’s documentary is an experimental essential work of doc-journalism, reconstructed from MiniDV footage from 2001 and reflecting on the current conflict. As he arrives in Gaza, in search of an old prison acquaintance, he captures the fractured spirit of the city on the margins of war and destruction. But his camera is also blessed by simple gestures and smiles, as he documents the daily activities of random folks, children and workers. A heartbreaking and urgent nostalgic account on memory, loss and the devastating consequences of war.
(Awards potential: Best Documentary).
(The 63rd New York Film Festival runs September 26-October 13 at Film at Lincoln Center. Go to https://www.filmlinc.org/nyff/ for details and available tickets).
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