Incredible filmmaking here in Athena, an overlooked French thriller that is excellent for its explosive, stunning nature. A film about rage leading to chaos. It packs a strong punch.
Athena opens with one of the best opening scenes I've seen in a long time. It is a 10-minute shot of one too many events to describe. The central story concerns three siblings dealing with the aftermath of their youngest brother's death. Our protagonist Abdel leads a riot group named "Athena," a unified group of young people who use fireworks and torches as weapons. Those create the more aesthetic shots.
Speaking of shots, I'm not familiar with any of the filmmaking talent involved, but I assume director Romain Garvas has a way with long, unbroken shots. (Although most of them are stitched in post, still impressive) One of them starts with a still, turns into a tracking shot, zooms out to show us the location and ends on a close-up. They are also fantastically choreographed, to the point of a big stage play. Some might say it's over done, but I believe the advanced cinematography serves a purpose into telling this big chaotic event.
Athena seems to focus more on the technical details than to give us deep enough characters. But the way it potrays the brutal tension between sides is... something else.
Athena opens with one of the best opening scenes I've seen in a long time. It is a 10-minute shot of one too many events to describe. The central story concerns three siblings dealing with the aftermath of their youngest brother's death. Our protagonist Abdel leads a riot group named "Athena," a unified group of young people who use fireworks and torches as weapons. Those create the more aesthetic shots.
Speaking of shots, I'm not familiar with any of the filmmaking talent involved, but I assume director Romain Garvas has a way with long, unbroken shots. (Although most of them are stitched in post, still impressive) One of them starts with a still, turns into a tracking shot, zooms out to show us the location and ends on a close-up. They are also fantastically choreographed, to the point of a big stage play. Some might say it's over done, but I believe the advanced cinematography serves a purpose into telling this big chaotic event.
Athena seems to focus more on the technical details than to give us deep enough characters. But the way it potrays the brutal tension between sides is... something else.