By Roger Costa
VINDICATION SWIM
In this award-winning, inspirational true-life story, actress Kirsten Callaghan delivers an impressive turn as Mercedes Gleitze, a swimmer who defies the cold waters of the British Channel and the oppressive society only to become the first woman ever to accomplish such a risky task.
The narrative explores the behind-the-scenes, her preparations and social challenges, the support found on her coach Harold Best (the excellent John Locke) and the competitiveness of an elite woman known for her cheating strategies. Set in 1927 Britain, the film gorgeously reconstructs that period with magnificent costumes and set designs.
Addressing women’s empowerment, endurance and their important role in the sports industry, director Elliott Hasler, here making his feature debut, crafts a charming, emotional and precise drama about prejudice, bravery and the glorious spirit of athleticism.
(FreeStyle Digital Media. Opens Friday, October 17th at Quad Cinema. Director in person on Friday. Go to https://quadcinema.com/film/vindication-swim/ for details.)
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 as he pulls off 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.
(MUBI. 10/17. Film at Lincoln Center. Director in attendance for Q&A.)
IT WAS JUST AN ACCIDENT
Iranian master Jafar Panahi’s Cannes Palm D’Or winner is among the most emotionally devastating films of the year. Though it is structured into a comedic narrative, it unexpectedly shifts tones, leaving an impressive, haunting mark. Shot clandestinely, this Anti-government protest drama follows the moral dilemma of a mechanic who believes he found the man who tortured him in jail. Keeping the suspect captive, he goes on a road trip trying to decide what’s the next step, alongside acquaintances who were also imprisoned: a bride and her groom, a photographer and a desperately neurotic man.
Panahi once again paints a dark, thrilling canvas of the political tension of his country, the violent regime, the corruption and how it affects civilians and the arts. A tremendously brave work of filmmaking, an arthouse masterpiece, a knockout and brave response to the authoritarianism of our troubled times. Panahi deserves the coveted Best Director Oscar simply because he risks everything and his life to make movies that are urgent, important and devastatingly timely. Scorsese may agree to that.
(NEON. Now Playing at Film at Lincoln Center. Director in attendance at selected screenings.)
Comments