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Reviews
Calvary (2014)
The possibility of the sainthood in our time
Calvary is a powerful and thought-provoking film that explores themes of faith, redemption, and sacrifice in the face of moral decay and suffering. Directed by John Michael McDonagh and released in 2014, the film stars Brendan Gleeson as Father James, a Catholic priest in a small Irish town who becomes the target of a death threat during a confession.
At its core, Calvary is a deeply religious film that grapples with the complexities of faith and the role of the Church in a society marked by sin and suffering. Father James, the film's protagonist, is presented as a modern-day saint who embodies the virtues of compassion, sacrifice, and selflessness in the face of adversity.
Despite the hostility and persecution he faces from his community, Father James remains committed to his vocation and the well-being of his parishioners. He is depicted as a man who is willing to confront the moral decay of his community head-on, visiting a psycho killer in jail and trying to help those struggling with addiction and suicidal tendencies.
Throughout the film, Father James is shown to be a perfect personification of someone who can imitate Christ, as outlined in the spiritual classic The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis. He tries to relieve people from suffering and seeks to bring them closer to God through his compassionate and selfless acts.
At the same time, Father James knows that his real battle is against the devil and the forces of evil that seek to corrupt and destroy the lives of those around him. He faces persecution and ultimately gives his life for the sake of others, just as Christ did, in a powerful and moving climax that underscores the film's themes of sacrifice and redemption.
In many ways, Father James' type of sainthood is highly appropriate for a Christian living in a pagan modern society. His struggles with alcohol, drugs, and the suicidal tendencies of his daughter are all too familiar in a world marked by moral decay and spiritual emptiness. Yet, despite these challenges, he remains steadfast in his faith and committed to serving others, providing a powerful example for viewers of all backgrounds and beliefs.
Overall, Calvary is a deeply moving and thought-provoking film that explores the complexities of faith and the enduring power of selflessness and compassion in the face of adversity. Its themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the battle against evil are highly relevant to the challenges facing individuals and communities in the modern world, making it a must-see for anyone seeking spiritual insight and inspiration. Father James' battle against the devil is a crucial aspect of his role as a modern-day saint. While he confronts the moral decay and suffering of his community head-on, he is also aware that these problems are symptoms of a deeper spiritual malaise, one that requires a battle against the forces of evil that seek to corrupt and destroy the lives of those around him.
Through his compassionate and selfless acts, Father James seeks to bring his parishioners closer to God and to help them resist the temptations of the devil. He recognizes that his ultimate battle is against the forces of darkness that seek to undermine faith and morality, and he is willing to sacrifice himself for the sake of others in this ongoing struggle.
Vortex (2021)
A Masterpiece o a new Gaspar Noé
"Vortex" is a captivating and thought-provoking movie directed by Gaspar Noé. The film follows the story of an elderly couple, played by Françoise Lebrun and Dario Argento, as they face the challenges of aging, illness, and mortality. The movie is shot in black and white, which adds to its somber and melancholic tone.
The movie has some similarities to "Amour" by Michael Haneke, which also deals with the theme of aging and mortality. However, Noé's film has its unique style and approach to the subject matter. The movie is slow-paced and contemplative, allowing the audience to immerse themselves in the characters' emotions and experiences.
One surprising aspect of "Vortex" is how it departs from Noé's nihilistic approach to filmmaking. The movie has a sense of hope and spirituality that is not present in his previous works. The ending, which features a Christian prayer, is a significant departure from Noé's usual themes and style.
It is worth noting that Noé himself faced a critical health situation during the making of the film. He was hospitalized with a heart condition, which delayed the production. This personal experience may have influenced the film's themes and tone, as it deals with mortality and the fragility of life.
Overall, "Vortex" is a haunting and powerful film that showcases Noé's versatility as a filmmaker. It is a must-watch for those who appreciate slow-burning dramas that explore the human condition.
Babylon (2022)
One of the great films of this century.
I am still reeling from the impact, but it seems to me that Damien Chazelle's Babylon is one of the great films of this century. It is a fantastic epic about Hollywood, about the rise and fall of movie stars, their vanity and lust. A baroque film, full of that mixture of beauty and grotesqueness (which lovers of Fellini and Peter Greenaway will recognize): a wonderful tribute to the seventh art. If the film had nothing else good, just this Shakespearean dialogue between Jack Conrad (Brad Pitt) and Elinor St. John (Jean Smart) would be worth its three hours:
"What do you want, Jack?"
"I want to know why you wrote."
"No, you want to know why they laughed. Do you want me to tell you why they laughed?"
"Sure, Elinor. Why?"
"There's no why. It wasn't your voice, it wasn't a conspiracy. And it definitely wasn't something I wrote. There's nothing you could have changed. There's nothing you can do. Your time is up. There's no why. Stop questioning."
"I'm in a bad phase."
"No. It's over. It's been over for a while. I'm sorry."
"Elinor, you gossip. You don't do anything. You don't know what it's like to show your face out there. You're just a cockroach. I've been boycotted before. This is not new to me."
"Have you ever thought that when a house is on fire people die and cockroaches survive?"
"For God's sake!"
"You thought the house needed you. It doesn't. It doesn't need you any more than it needs cockroaches. And the cockroaches, knowing this, protect themselves in the dark, hidden, and survive. But you... you hold the spotlight. We, hidden in the dark, are the ones who watch, who survive. A house on fire. And there will be hundreds more. An earthquake could wipe this city off the map and it wouldn't make a difference. It's the idea that remains. There will be hundreds more Jack Conrads. Hundreds more of myself. Hundreds more conversations like this. Again and again, until God knows when. Because it's bigger than you. I know it hurts. No one asked to be left behind. But in a hundred years, when you and I are gone, every time someone puts your image on the screen, you'll be alive again. You know what that means? One day, every person in every movie will be dead, and one day, all these movies will be recovered and their ghosts will have dinner together, and they will venture together, they will go to the forest, to war together. A child born 50 years from now will bump into your image on a screen and feel like they know you... as a friend, even though you took your last breath before their first. You were given a gift, be grateful. Your time is up, but you will spend eternity with angels and ghosts."
Babylon is a film that delves into the heart of the film industry, showing the behind-the-scenes of the success and decline of its icons. The plot is a true work of art, a faithful portrayal of glamorous and dark Hollywood. Director Damien Chazelle managed to create a unique atmosphere, a mixture of nostalgia and social criticism that makes us reflect on the values of the film industry.
In addition to the brilliant performances of Brad Pitt and Jean Smart, the cinematography is breathtaking, showing impressive scenes and meticulous attention to aesthetics. The soundtrack, composed by Justin Hurwitz, is another great highlight of the film, which manages to convey the emotion and energy of the scenes perfectly.
But more than a reflection on life and death, Babylon is a film that explores complex themes such as power, fame, and the human desire for validation. It portrays the struggles of those who seek success in a cut-throat industry that demands perfection and sacrifices everything else. It also highlights the impact of Hollywood on society, showing how the industry shapes our values, beliefs, and perceptions.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Babilônia is its ability to balance multiple storylines and characters while maintaining coherence and emotional depth. The film follows the lives of several Hollywood figures, including a silent film star (Margot Robbie), a young actress (Lucy Boynton), a studio executive (Toby Huss), and a screenwriter (Diego Calva). Each character has their own arc and struggles, but they all contribute to the larger narrative of the film.
Overall, Babilônia is a cinematic masterpiece that combines stunning visuals, brilliant performances, and thought-provoking themes. It's a film that captures the essence of Hollywood, both its glamour and its darkness, and invites us to reflect on the human condition. Damien Chazelle has once again proven himself to be one of the most talented filmmakers of our time, and Babilônia is a testament to his vision and artistry.