By Roger Costa
RESURRECTION
Chinese visionary Bi Gan’s third feature is a delightful feast of cinematic pleasure blending styles, genres, times and spaces in which is a gorgeous homage to the artistry and creative power of cinema illusion. Through an unconventional narrative, Gan explores the beauty and mystery of storytelling as the protagonist (Jackson Yee) traverses five different chapters in constant mutation meeting up with eccentrics, allies, enemies and lovers.
Since its glorious opening, a seductive silent stylish segment where “cinema” itself is a character refusing to abandon “dreaming” in a futuristic society seeking ways of living eternally, Gan’s Cannes-selection fantasy grabs the viewer’s attention with its lushy, exquisitely inventive design and metaphorical imagery, and never let goes. A feast for cinephiles and raw cinema lovers, this is pure adrenaline and art in movement, it’s strange, heady, penetrating and deliriously fascinating.
(A Janus Films Release. Now Playing at Walter Reade Theater, Film at Lincoln Center NYC).
TURBULENCE
A successful man (Jeremy Irvine) is trying to forget the tragic events that just took place at his office. One of his employees, who had been let go, comes back and shoots himself in front of everyone. On the way to meet his wife (Hera Hilmar) for a getaway vacation, he gets a drink at a bar where a female fatale sits next to him, potentially trying to seduce him. Under such pressure and having trouble at home since his wife had a miscarriage, the possibility of an affair is brought into question. When on vacation, he is confronted by the woman (Olga Kurylenko), putting his marriage and adventurous vacation at risk. Working his best out of a low-key screenplay by Andy Mayson, prolific director Claudio Fah delivers the chills with this efficient and well-elaborated hot-air balloon surviving thriller. A convincing, sometimes silly, and extremely tense experience, Fah’s film draws influence from “Vertical Limit” with shades of “Fatal Attraction”. Though its limited scenario (the film is pretty much set on air, as they fly onboard the hot-air balloon), and claustrophobic atmosphere, the film benefits also from its natural landscape, the breathtaking Italian cold mountains and its elegant sound design, making it a decent and edgy experience. Emmy winner actor Kelsey Grammar rounds out the cast as the conductor of the adventure, delivering a fine small part with his usual firm presence.
(A Lions Gate Release. Now Playing at Cinema Village, 22 East 12th Street, Manhattan).
IS THIS THING ON?
Bradley Cooper’s third directorial effort brings a revelatory performance by Will Arnett as a man going on an existential crisis as he navigates separation and identity. Who could have imagined the actor well known for his comedic skills could turn out to be an excellent dramatic performer. Here he exceeds in a mesmerizing character study. Laura Dern also delivers another example of why she’s one of America’s greatest performers, in a role that fits her extremely well. She’s the emotionally unstable wife, analyzing her condition while facing the consequences of their separation. Exploring the dynamics of relationships, marriages, commitments and co-dependence, Cooper invites the audience to the world of comedy clubs, when his protagonist finds console and redemption as a stand-up comedian in the Village bohemian scene. Giving a step ahead on his brilliant career, from an ordinary charming actor in ridiculous (but popular) comedies, to becoming a respected A-list actor, and now a confident filmmaker, Cooper demonstrates maturity and authenticity, much more than on his previous efforts. It’s as if he had been trying to prove his talent on those two very ambitious projects, and now, he’s realized all he needs is to relax and let it flow naturally. One can feel such sense of freedom and confidence throughout the film’s emotional architecture.
For the third time around, he explores relationships and families’ dynamics centered around art: the first two about the impact of music, and now, the healing power of expression, spoken words and comedy. His style is comforting, honest and has a special fresh beat all over it. The film reflects his optimistic vision through sophisticated humor while trying to adjust the characters’ world. The result is a crowd-pleasing and relatable meditation on the importance of family values and endurance, and the chances one’s given to restart anew.
(A Searchlight Pictures Release. World Premiered at the New York Film Festival. Screens Thursday, December 18th at 7pm at MoMA, NYC. Opens Friday, December 19th at Angelika Film Center. Director Cooper will be in attendance at selected screenings).
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