By Roger Costa
TOMMASO
American auteur Abel Ferrara has always been a unique, efficient and controversial provocateur. Moral dilemmas, sexuality, addiction, religious dogmas, urban tragedies, abuse and violence have populated his work throughout the years, confirming him as a bold, straight-forward filmmaker. This time around, the Bronx born writer-director crafts his most personal project ever, an experimental semi-autobiography, built out of improvisation, and real emotional confrontations. The great Willem Dafoe plays a softer version of the director himself, a renowned filmmaker waiting to develop a new project in Italy. While the money never arrives, he spends his days taking care of his much younger wife and toddler (played by Ferrara’s real wife and baby daughter), as well as discovering them and facing their differences with unstable reactions. He is also avoiding contamination, as he’s celebrating over 6 years sober, attending a community group, dance, meditation and Italian classes, flirts with some colleagues, and seeks inspiration at the local cafes.
Mainly supported by the brilliantly furious and profound performance by Dafoe, and convincing chemistry between the 3-time Oscar nominated star and the real people playing themselves, Ferrara tests his own limits, as an artist, a husband, a father and a collaborator, as he deeply observes his own habits, battles, fears and desires, all while absorbing everyone else’s reactions to his ups and downs, as he easily steps into a male crisis.
Blending insertions of musical clips, dreams and the character’s inner thoughts, this inclusive Avant-garde doc-style self-portrait is a fearless, raw, yet tender look at recycling and reconcilling oneself.
(Kino Lorber. 6/5. Film at Lincoln Center’s Virtual Cinema.)
PAPICHA
Set in Algiers in late 90’s, writer-director Mounia Meddour’s feature debut follows the conflicts faced by a young university student fighting prejudice and radical laws during the Civil War. As a statement for freedom and equality, she develops a fashion show filled with contradictory answers to the political/religious regime, but it won’t be an easy task. She will risk her integrity, future and even her life to bring it on the show, and armed with determination and the help from her colleagues, she moves forward until drastically dangerous dispute ensues.
An official selection for the Oscar’s Best International Film, and winner of the César Awards for Best First Film and Best Female Newcomer, Meddour conceived an intense dramatic thriller with feminist dynamics, putting her on the radar as one to watch. Superbly performed, suspenseful and extremely honest, it’s a powerful story about fighting for righteousness and resisting oppression.
(Distrib Films. 6/1. Film at Lincoln Center’s Virtual Cinema.)
⭐⭐⭐
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