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grinlingj
Reviews
Memoirs of a Geisha (2005)
Exhilarating and true
Unlike a few other « exotic films », such as "Bab Aziz" or "Go, See, and Become" or worse even "Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter... and Spring", Memoirs of a Geisha is a wise and truthful film, although set against a most foreign cultural background, that of an "Okiya", a house where Geishas are trained in their craft.
The film offers countless simple and meaningful metaphors, as do people who belong to an authentic tradition.
A basic and recurring image is that of water: the eyes of Chiyo as a child, as when she is an accomplished Geisha, are persistently associated with the color of water, a powerful element, as Mameha, her "elder sister" or rather coach, reminds us : "Water can wash away earth, put out fire, and even destroy iron".
Earlier, Chiyo herself says she is like water, will always find a solution: When meeting an obstacle, water shoes patience but gets a way out through the weakest point of the barrage. Water does not shrink from any dangerous spot nor from any plunge, and nothing can make it lose its own essential nature. It remains true to itself under all conditions.
And such is the fate of the Geisha, as Chiyo describes it her self, as she matures in her craft (the word Geisha, I understand, refers to a crafts-person, an artist) : "It is not for Geisha to want. It is not for Geisha to feel. Geisha is an artist of the floating world. She dances, she sings. She entertains you, whatever you want. The rest is shadows, the rest is secret."
Earlier, when Chiyo decides she indeed wants to be a Geisha, Mameha says to her "Now your are like running water, you want to move fast." And water seeps again in the later scenes of the film, when tears of joy fill Sayuri's eyes.
Many critics praise the aesthetic quality of the film, and indeed they are right: the actresses are strikingly beautiful. And the pictures all stunning.
But the real beauty is born from the words that are uttered : in describing the art of Sumo as well as in conversation, the words are like flowers and foliage carefully arranged in a vase.
One of the most exhilarating films I ever saw.
Match Point (2005)
As good as Bergman, at last
It did Woody Allen much good to look at the world through an English eye. This got him out of his usual thing. And thanks God, he doesn't act in the movie.
Suddenly, there is depth and culture in this clever study of British bourgeoisie faced with the more rugged type of an American aspiring actress, a cute orphan who's mother drank.
On the other hand, the main concerns of the British aristocracy are their sense of duty, and the need to breed an heir.
But above all, it's this pervading love of Verdi, a typical European trait. The music is from the "the Traviata". And the soundtrack bares much due sound of scratch. And as the action heats up, leading to a brutal double murder, Verdi's opera gets more pathetic, and the voices start to quiver.
Match point is a master's work : the turmoil of young harts with an intrigue that is razor sharp. The story's hinges are subtle, just like tails or heads.
Scarlett Johansson is a natural as wannabe movie actress. Whereas her mother in law would love to see her do anything but that.
British wit with Italian Bel Canto : Woodie Allen, at last, is as good as Bergmann.
Bab'Aziz (2005)
Searching God in Foxy Land
The film doesn't work. If the film maker planned to talk about dervishes, the poor in search of God, clichés are far from enough. The old blind man's beard is too white, when strolling across immaculate deserts better suited for a Dior perfume's publicity. Crowds are set as for the opera. The tales are just about nothing and the dervishes' conference is seen by somebody who knows not what it's about. The whole film is beside the point, it's fake folklore when it should have been a documentary. It is to Islam what the Sound of music is to Nazism. A transvestite. Ishtar, the girl child is the only credible character,and from time to time the music sounds alright. The recitation of poetry is close to genuine, but not quite, as much liquor is drunk, and ends in bed as in America. Again, it isn't credible in any Muslim culture. "Corruptio optimi pessima" The search for truth can't accommodate lies.