bwotte Reviews

Performance (1970)

When Worlds Collide

[10/10 · 18 June 2004]

A number of Nicholas Roeg's films explore the collision of two cultures: Australian aborigine vs. urban Caucasian in "Walkabout" (1971) ... English vs. Italian in "Don't Look Now" (1973) ... and alien vs. humankind in "The Man Who Fell To Earth" (1976). "Performance" (1970) explores the collision between the world of a sadistic extortion artist and the world of a retired rock star and his companions. But the plot merely serves as a vehicle to convey compelling images and music -- the film is surrealistic and imaginative rather than realistic or film noire. At one point in the film, Jagger reads from Jorge Luis Borges's short story "The South," while his consort prepares a lunch of psychedelic mushrooms. The film touchs on BDSM sex, the harder side of the gay world, extortion, art, and imagination. Reality is not always what it seems. Jagger's performance of "Memo from Turner" is a minor triumph: "Remember who you say you area / And keep your noses clean / Boys will be boys and play with toys / So be strong with your beasts."

Macbeth (1971)

Profoundly original version of Macbeth

[8/10 · 7 January 2000]

Polanski's original version of Macbeth is nearly perfect and is an excellent adaptation of Shakespeare for the screen. The Elizabethan world is recreated to perfection, and there are moments of pure genius, such as having Lady Macbeth perform her sleep-walking scene in the nude. The only real weakness (but it's a considerable failing) is Polanski's handling of Macduff: Macduff is supposed to be heroic, the man who remains loyal to Duncan at the cost of his wife and family, the man who finally destroys Macbeth -- yet Polanski presents him as a clumsy weakling. Magnificent film, magnificent Shakespeare, one of Polanski's major triumphs.

The Red Mantle (1967)

Icelandic Saga Brought to Screen

[7 January 2000]

This film is similar to Icelandic sagas such as _Njal's Saga_ or _The Lord of the Rings_. It's been thirty years since I've seen it, but I remember that the photography was beautiful and that the film remained "true" to the saga tradition. I would welcome the opportunity to see it again.