This film is set on the high end of the European art world. It's a story of an artist's obsession for his wife and jealousy of a rising young artist. These two forces are what motivate Morlang to do everything he does in this film. I also question the motives of the young rising artist. This film just confirms that even though man is the most intelligent animal on the planet, he's still an animal. I can't say much more without giving it away. The cinematography was perfect; great angles, telling the story without words. I'm glad Film Movement brought this movie to the U.S.. It would've been a shame if this film went by unnoticed.
11 Reviews
Death wish
jotix10015 November 2004
"Morlang" is a movie that has not been seen in this country except in film festivals. It deserves a look. Director Tjebbo Penning, having also collaborated in the adaptation shows he has a sense of style in the way he has layered this picture.
Basically, it's the story of a painter, whose work was much admired, but is currently going through a crisis caused by his past coming to haunt him. Julius Morlang is a man who loved Ellen, his first wife. When she gets sick, Morlang is supportive until he realizes Ellen has not been a model wife at all. Her betrayal triggers a set of events that will actually bring chaos to his life with Ann, the much younger woman he has married after the death of Ellen.
Paul Freeman, an actor who has worked in television extensively, is the troubled painter. We watch him at various points of the Morlang's life and Mr. Freeman does an excellent work with his role. Equally effective are Diana Kent, who plays Ellen, and Susan Lynch, as the younger Ann.
The film tend to involve the viewer because it's never clear from the beginning how the character of Morlang is unraveling before our eyes, or what provoked it.
Basically, it's the story of a painter, whose work was much admired, but is currently going through a crisis caused by his past coming to haunt him. Julius Morlang is a man who loved Ellen, his first wife. When she gets sick, Morlang is supportive until he realizes Ellen has not been a model wife at all. Her betrayal triggers a set of events that will actually bring chaos to his life with Ann, the much younger woman he has married after the death of Ellen.
Paul Freeman, an actor who has worked in television extensively, is the troubled painter. We watch him at various points of the Morlang's life and Mr. Freeman does an excellent work with his role. Equally effective are Diana Kent, who plays Ellen, and Susan Lynch, as the younger Ann.
The film tend to involve the viewer because it's never clear from the beginning how the character of Morlang is unraveling before our eyes, or what provoked it.
The Heart of an Artist
kkboyd-603-99135416 December 2015
Warning: Spoilers
Having spent some time in the art world, I thought those scenes in the film were very convincing and provided a clue to what was really going on behind that bland smile of Morlang.
Artists can be ruthless, especially as they focus on their own interests, pushing aside the needs of loved ones. People were always asking Morlang to "give me something" and all he had to give was his art.
The actors were wonderful and the photography great but I had trouble with the erratic direction. The story seemed at times to take on a Hitchcock quality, but not as deftly done as the master. That's too bad because, in spite of all the artiness and spousal angst, this is primarily a suspense film.
It's hard going at times, but worth it if you like mysteries and surprise endings. The heart of an artist can be very black indeed!
Artists can be ruthless, especially as they focus on their own interests, pushing aside the needs of loved ones. People were always asking Morlang to "give me something" and all he had to give was his art.
The actors were wonderful and the photography great but I had trouble with the erratic direction. The story seemed at times to take on a Hitchcock quality, but not as deftly done as the master. That's too bad because, in spite of all the artiness and spousal angst, this is primarily a suspense film.
It's hard going at times, but worth it if you like mysteries and surprise endings. The heart of an artist can be very black indeed!
A work of art
burning_bus18 July 2011
I thought this movie was fabulous. Several reasons:
I didn't recognize any of the actors; didn't matter. They were superb on every level. The characters are dynamic (meaning: they grow and change somewhat throughout the movie as the story progresses) and their behavior and motivations well-supported by the course of the narrative.
As for the plot: The plot twists are both surprising and the turns and twists are revealed to the viewer at the most opportune moment. Contrary to some movies, where the big revelation is deflating, MORLANG only gets better as it reveals the little secrets. The way the plot unfolds, the movie becomes more and more engaging as the viewer begins to understand what has happened.
Nothing is lacking, and the conclusion is satisfying and fulfilling. Bear in mind that the film is based on actual events, and this movie's impact is multiplied.
I didn't recognize any of the actors; didn't matter. They were superb on every level. The characters are dynamic (meaning: they grow and change somewhat throughout the movie as the story progresses) and their behavior and motivations well-supported by the course of the narrative.
As for the plot: The plot twists are both surprising and the turns and twists are revealed to the viewer at the most opportune moment. Contrary to some movies, where the big revelation is deflating, MORLANG only gets better as it reveals the little secrets. The way the plot unfolds, the movie becomes more and more engaging as the viewer begins to understand what has happened.
Nothing is lacking, and the conclusion is satisfying and fulfilling. Bear in mind that the film is based on actual events, and this movie's impact is multiplied.
Suspenseful, but a bit predictable
checkscher13 November 2009
Warning: Spoilers
The cinematography was superb and I have nothing negative to say about the acting. The movie was suspenseful throughout and kept me guessing to the final scene. But I was expecting a little more. The mystery character tormenting Morlang created a perfect opportunity for further plot development. I kept expecting a final twist that never materialized and this, I felt, was a missed opportunity. Although the movie was genuinely suspenseful, I thought it was a far too predictable. I read Morlang from the start and correctly guessed the plot about half way through the film. Morlang's character was perhaps a bit too developed for the movie's own good. For instance, let's face it -- there is something psychologically deranged about a husband who shows little emotion over his wife of 15 years rampage with another man. This was just one of many dead give aways...
Adultery at its worst
vincewkp1 March 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This is more than a wife simply cheating on her husband. This is adultery which is intended to hurt her husband , physically, emotionally and every which way possible. . Its no shock to me how this movie ends. Morlang, a successful artist has been married for a long time and we are led to beleve they have a good relationship and marriage, but his wife obviously feels otherwise. . She acts as his manager and accepts a manager position with a much younger and flirtatious artist. M orlang senses that there is an attraction between them and when the young client wants to paint her, she initially laughs it off, but M orlang suggests that it sounds like a good idea, she gives the impression that she is being forced by him to pose. When the time arrives, she tells her husband to tell her not to go. He says nothing. Its as if she knows what she will do if she goes, but her husband tests her by making the decision to go or not to go hers and not his.. She goes, and leaves in an angry mood. Morlang realizes what could happen and tries to spy on them. When he realizes what she is likely doing, he is emotionally destroyed and paints his own image of his misery. . She senses that he knows when she returns that he knows what she has done., but neither discuss it until she gets angry with him about him accepting bad news without challenging it she describes it as his passiveness. Not content with simply complaining about him she becomes intent on wanting to hurt him , in a way that would cause pain and humiliation in any man. She describes in gory detail how physically sexual he was with her and she says it with a clear intent to hurt him. He doesnt show his pain but how the movie plays out after that confrontation is what makes this movie the real reaction he ultimately has to her betrayal
Should be good, but isn't
bubsy-36 January 2004
Morlang annoyed me. I really looked forward to watching it. Technically, it is excellent. Morlang is well acted and well directed and I wanted to watch the movie to its end. However, as I watched Morlang, I kept thinking, "This should be a really good movie, but it isn't". I'm still not sure why I didn't feel it was a good movie. Perhaps it is because I "read" Morlang correctly from the beginning so that the ending was no suprise at all? But whatever the reason, I felt that Morlang should have been an exceptional movie, but fell far short.
Compelling and entertaining
Marger-6 November 2001
I saw a sneak preview of this movie today, so I had no idea what to expect when I saw the title appear on screen. The film is a little slow paced, so at first I just wanted more information to know what kind of movie it would be. Soon I found myself yearning for more information along the storyline, and that feeling stayed until the end. The movie sort of sneaks up on you, drags you inside and doesn't let go.
Julius Morlang is an artist in his mid fifties who lives at the Irish coast with his wife Ann. Aside from what seems a couple of random images, the movie starts by showing a happy Morlang. Soon we are taken back two years and an intriguing plot unfolds.
I liked the directing and the camera work a lot. A lot of shots struck me as being of the right kind at the right time. The way the viewer is fed pieces of information throughout the movie has of course been done before, but was executed very well. The acting was more than satisfactory.
The only thing that bothered me a little was the terrible Dutch accent of one of the actors. Bothersome, but absolutely genuine I can tell you.
A high quality production, which certainly deserves the attention of a large audience. Overall, I give this movie 8 out of 10.
Julius Morlang is an artist in his mid fifties who lives at the Irish coast with his wife Ann. Aside from what seems a couple of random images, the movie starts by showing a happy Morlang. Soon we are taken back two years and an intriguing plot unfolds.
I liked the directing and the camera work a lot. A lot of shots struck me as being of the right kind at the right time. The way the viewer is fed pieces of information throughout the movie has of course been done before, but was executed very well. The acting was more than satisfactory.
The only thing that bothered me a little was the terrible Dutch accent of one of the actors. Bothersome, but absolutely genuine I can tell you.
A high quality production, which certainly deserves the attention of a large audience. Overall, I give this movie 8 out of 10.
Muse abuse
ThurstonHunger21 May 2021
The role of the muse in an artist's personal palette is one topic of interest. And vice versa perhaps. The challenges in a relationship for a decade and beyond, that is a topic of more general note.
These are in the blender here, but I almost wish I had seen the tagline "Based on a true story" when I saw the trailer. The trailer made the film look more compelling, but I wonder if some of the non-fiction elements weighed this down for me.
It's definitely a different film, and the Film Movement series has often been rewarding. Something keeps us at a distance here, perhaps to heighten elements of suspense, but maybe more related to the guarded nature of the characters.
Fine acting did help carry the film, especially from the semi-stoic Udo Kier body double in the lead. (Yes, I should perhaps watch more Paul Freeman films...)
Anyways, this is my review....based on a true viewing.
These are in the blender here, but I almost wish I had seen the tagline "Based on a true story" when I saw the trailer. The trailer made the film look more compelling, but I wonder if some of the non-fiction elements weighed this down for me.
It's definitely a different film, and the Film Movement series has often been rewarding. Something keeps us at a distance here, perhaps to heighten elements of suspense, but maybe more related to the guarded nature of the characters.
Fine acting did help carry the film, especially from the semi-stoic Udo Kier body double in the lead. (Yes, I should perhaps watch more Paul Freeman films...)
Anyways, this is my review....based on a true viewing.
Starts off very slowly but fortunately the excitement and script builds--so DON'T touch that remote!
planktonrules25 December 2007
This Dutch film was made mostly in Ireland--an interesting pedigree for a film! This is a very strange film for American audiences because the style is so alien compared to Hollywood's fare. Instead of starting with a bang like most films, this one very slowly unfolds--giving you more and more insight into the characters and plot over the course of the film. Unfortunately, people who expect to see lots of action or plot early on might be tempted to turn off the film. I must admit that I was a bit irritated because a half hour into the movie I still didn't see where this film was headed. However, in hindsight, this is the beauty of MORLANG. Its slow and artistically handled script worked well once I let go of my need for immediate clarity.
The title character, Morlang, is a famous modern artist whose life seems rather ideal at first. He is successful, has a lovely young girlfriend (or bride--they never made this clear) and lives in a nice home along the cliffs of the Irish coast. However, into his almost ideal world come bizarre and cryptic messages from an unknown person. These messages concern the death of his wife and at first the work seem like that of a mad man or person who is just a jerk. However, why he is being stalked and persecuted is slowly revealed--showing that there is far more to the story than just some bizarre fan harassing him. This led to many unexpected twists and turns that kept me guessing--something that doesn't happen enough in films. As a result, the plot seems more intellectually stimulating and fascinating than anything else. While I could tell you a lot more about the plot, I won't, as it might spoil your viewing.
By the way, I really liked some of Morlang's art. I don't know who really did the pieces, but some of his canvases were really exceptional--particularly the nude self-portrait. Because we got to see Morlang work during the film, the movie reminded me a bit of the amazing Alec Guinness classic, THE HORSE'S MOUTH--though in most other ways, these are very, very different films.
Also, parents be forewarned--the subject matter gets very adult AND there's some graphic male nudity. It was appropriate to the film, so it wasn't necessarily objectionable--but I doubt if most parents want their kids seeing frontal nudity of old men.
The title character, Morlang, is a famous modern artist whose life seems rather ideal at first. He is successful, has a lovely young girlfriend (or bride--they never made this clear) and lives in a nice home along the cliffs of the Irish coast. However, into his almost ideal world come bizarre and cryptic messages from an unknown person. These messages concern the death of his wife and at first the work seem like that of a mad man or person who is just a jerk. However, why he is being stalked and persecuted is slowly revealed--showing that there is far more to the story than just some bizarre fan harassing him. This led to many unexpected twists and turns that kept me guessing--something that doesn't happen enough in films. As a result, the plot seems more intellectually stimulating and fascinating than anything else. While I could tell you a lot more about the plot, I won't, as it might spoil your viewing.
By the way, I really liked some of Morlang's art. I don't know who really did the pieces, but some of his canvases were really exceptional--particularly the nude self-portrait. Because we got to see Morlang work during the film, the movie reminded me a bit of the amazing Alec Guinness classic, THE HORSE'S MOUTH--though in most other ways, these are very, very different films.
Also, parents be forewarned--the subject matter gets very adult AND there's some graphic male nudity. It was appropriate to the film, so it wasn't necessarily objectionable--but I doubt if most parents want their kids seeing frontal nudity of old men.
The ending is worth it!
bckai13 November 2003
I saw this expertly crafted film at the Tribeca Film Festival. The audience was visibly buzzing when the credits started rolling. I heard it's finally coming out on DVD and theaters!
Much respect to the director and his sharp directing skills. His use of flashbacks as a deft narrative device works for this particular story about love and betrayal; he also uses it to create a layered character study. Paul Freeman was brilliant and the rest of the cast perfect for their respective roles.
Much respect to the director and his sharp directing skills. His use of flashbacks as a deft narrative device works for this particular story about love and betrayal; he also uses it to create a layered character study. Paul Freeman was brilliant and the rest of the cast perfect for their respective roles.
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