Fairly Recent Movies: Triangle of Sadness; Moonage Daydream; Decision to Leave; Old Movies: Three Colours: Red; In the Heat of the Night

Fairly Recent Movies

Triangle of Sadness

Carl (Harrison Dickinson) and Yaya (Charlbi Dean) are a young attractive couple and both are models. Yaya is also a social media influencer. Due to their status and beauty, they are invited to join a luxury cruise (for free) where other passengers include the super-rich from various countries some of whom gained their wealth in very unethical ways. Later, certain passengers and staff of the sea vessel end up on an island fighting for survival. “Triangle of Sadness” is an international co-production.

This film has various extended scenes that feel uncomfortable at first but often end up as anything from intriguing to funny (very crude in one case). One such scene includes a wealthy Russian oligarch named Dimitry (Zlatko Burić) making an absurd demand upon the entire staff which is obeyed as the class distinction is very strong within the confined setting.

A puzzling scene involves Dimitry having a discussion with the yacht captain, Thomas (Woody Harrelson). During this discussion, Thomas’ defense of socialism seems preachy and didactic. If writer/director Ruben Östlund were trying to make a point, subtlety would have been more effective. However, there is possibly a twist here. The preacher of socialism (Thomas) happens to be an drunken parasite who has an undeserved privilege of being at the top of a work hierarchy and whose second in command (Paula played by Vicki Berlin) is stuck to do much of his job as well as all of her own. Perhaps, having such a repulsive character preaching a certain ideology is Östlund’s way of rejecting the ideology. But this is more than offset by the remainder of the plot which often skewers the vile hierarchies caused by capitalism. One such vile hierarchy is shown when Paula is leading her subordinates during a staff meeting.

As the film involves a major twist, character development is very fascinating in the final segment. The most intriguing of these changes is in the character of Abagail (Dolly De Leon) who is at the bottom of the socio-economic hierarchy as a staff member of the yacht but whose survival skills place her at the top of the hierarchy on the island. It could be easy to cheer for her except maybe for a certain advantage she grabs rather viciously.

The film ends with one of those moments of “OMG, how could you end it THERE?” with a potential plot twist that we don’t even get to see. But with the chance to create the ending ourselves, this fascinating film still concludes well.

RATING (out of four stars): * * *

*

Moonage Daydream

Produced by the USA and Germany, this documentary highlights the career and life of the legendary British superstar David Bowie. The film mostly focusses on the time period from the early 1970s up until the early 1990s.

As the film begins by recalling the early 1970s, what a truly psychedelic vibe it creates. The era is greatly reflected with a superb mix of animated footage, actual footage (including live concerts) and song recordings. And of course, those special fashions of the early 70s! The unique mixing style continues throughout the film in later time periods and includes excerpts from classic movies.

The scenes of Bowie’s musings of life are often fascinating though some of them could have been edited. During one scene, he seems to be encouraging how life should be for people. From today’s perspective, this might seem inappropriate as it is coming from someone with great advantages and privileges; the average person could never be anywhere close to the life he was living. But it’s important to keep in mind that this was expressed during an era when there was much less distance among the socioeconomic classes than there is now. So, the philosophy seems right for its time period.

In the end, the film seems perhaps a bit long but with its focus on such a fascinating subject, this seems to matter little.

RATING: * * *

*

Decision to Leave

Jang Hae-Jun (Park Hae-il) is one of two detectives assigned to investigate a murder in Busan, South Korea. During the investigation, he becomes infatuated with the murdered man’s wife, Song Seo-rae (Tang Wei) who might also be a suspect in the murder. Further tension is caused by the fact that Hae-Jun is married.

While the two leads give fine performances individually, there is a lack of chemistry between them. It doesn’t help that most of their communication is by text messaging. Texting is probably the way most people communicate in our modern world so in this way, the film is accurate in reflecting real life. But it comes off as dull when used so often in a movie.

Many scenes in the movie are mixed with opposite effects. The film has many scenes that are well directed (by Park Chan-wook) and there are good performances from all cast members as well. There is also a powerful ending. On the other hand, there are many other scenes that are too long and sometimes convoluted and confusing.

A mixed result overall.

RATING: * *

*

Great Old Movies Seen Again

Three Colours: Red (1994 – Switzerland / France / Poland)

Valentine Dussaut (Irène Jacob) is a university student / fashion model in Geneva. She is brought by circumstances to have a connection with a retired judge, Joseph Kern (Jean-Louis Trintignant), who has serious social problems.

Valentine and Joseph have associations with other interesting characters (including a pregnant dog) who together seem to live in an odd, fascinating, mysterious urban universe. The conversations among them reveal shock, mystery, and puzzle-solving which most other films would have revealed by action only. This unique style is one of the film’s many praises. And the continuing connection of the seemingly odd pair is also touching.

A parallel story in the film involves Auguste (Jean-Pierre Lorit), a young law student who is in a very troubled relationship. This is similar to Valentine who is in a difficult long-distance relationship. Valentine has further troubles in her family of origin whose circumstances are less than ideal.

The mix of characters and their circumstances reflect much of life’s yearnings, disappointments, and occasional happy moments with various coincidences and similarities that give the impression that all people are connected. The screenplay (by Krzsysztof Kieślowski, the film’s director, and Krzsysztof Piesiwicz) shows compassion for their very flawed, very human characters.

“Three Colours: Red” is the last of a trilogy that is preceded by “Three Colours: Blue” and “Three Colours: White”. To enjoy “Red”, it is not necessary to have seen the other two except perhaps in regards to the final scene in “Red”. But it is likely best to see them in order any way if you’re like me. Also, I join the consensus that “Red” is the best film of the trilogy.

RATING:  * * * 1/2

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT:  Directing by Krzsysztof Kieślowski

*

In the Heat of the Night  (1967 – USA)

Virgil Tibbs (Sidney Poitier) is a black detective from Philadelphia who, by various circumstances, ends up in a small bigoted town in Mississippi where he becomes involved in solving a recent murder. He and police chief Bill Gillespie (Rod Steiger), who is racist, have an intense working relationship while trying to solve the case.

This superb film is intense all the way through. Its story has just the right amount of complexity while always being understandable. (If only modern mysteries could have followed this formula.)

The performances of Poitier and Steiger, individually and as an ensemble, contribute greatly to the film’s success. Poitier’s character has exceptional strength, intelligence, and sophistication yet he can distinguish when he can safely use his strength and when he must acquiesce such as an early scene at a train station. During this intense moment, the only weapon he has is a silent glare which he uses perfectly (if looks could kill). As the police chief, Steiger raises his tone when needed but also knows when he must surrender to the detective while still appearing to be in charge.

Another interesting moment is when Virgil is mocked for correctly using the word ‘whom’ in a sentence when most people would have (incorrectly) used the word ‘who’ instead. As an aside, it is pleasant and rare when someone speaks this well even if it is fiction.

Poitier and Steiger have an interesting scene before the fascinating climax where there is almost a bonding regarding the loneliness of their chosen professions. And their final scene, again at the train station, is filled with so many unspoken words that are restrained. A gesture regarding a suitcase speaks volumes especially considering the racist atmosphere that surrounds them.

The two leads are part of an exceptional cast that also includes Warren Oates, Lee Grant, Larry Gates, James Patterson, Quentin Dean, Anthony James, Scott Wilson, and Beah Richards among others. And director Norman Jewison more than ably creates an intense atmosphere that surrounds the thriller. Yet further praise must be given to Quincy Jones for his great score.

RATING: * * * *

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS:

• Directing by Norman Jewison
• Screenplay by Sterling Silliphant (based on the novel by John Ball)
• Acting Ensemble