Of Love and Other Demons (From Locarno 2015): Peckinpah and Sex Part 3 – ‘Straw Dogs’
A Weekly Column on Love and Erotica in Cinema by Justine A. Smith
A Weekly Column on Love and Erotica in Cinema by Justine A. Smith
“A refreshing and dryly-hilarious glimpse into life at a certain time in a certain place, Fort Tilden brilliantly captures the “struggles” of two women who are uncertain of their roles in life.”
“The style of 88:88 has been compared to Jean-Luc Godard, specifically his recent projects like Film Socialisme (2010) and Adieu au langage (2014). What sets this film apart from Godard is an intimacy approaching a breach of privacy.”
“La vallée is not an entirely successful film, largely because of its limp energy and problematic ideological frameworks. It is, however, intensely bizarre and a fascinating portrait of a particular time and place.”
“Instead of merely asking viewers to care about a victim with whom we have no ties, Fuller tugs on our heartstrings by having his antagonist target the family of the protagonist we’ve gotten to know for nearly three full seasons.”
“As the music industry continues to evolve and both Dr. Dre and Ice Cube remain icons of the entertainment industry, Straight Outta Compton serves as a reminder of underground mentality and how a simple idea can change one’s life forever.”
“Even seasoned film writers struggle to put into words the enduring appeal of Hong Sang-Soo.”
A Series by Dylan Moses Griffin
A Weekly Column on Love and Erotica in Cinema by Justine A. Smith
“Masculinity has been the love-theme of this year’s edition of Locarno, and Chevalier further indulges in the dank impulses and fragility of the male ego.”