โFor Paul Schrader, First Reformedโs visual style realizes ideas of transcendental style that he first theorized at the beginning of his career. But that style only works because it serves the story and character he crafted so carefully.โ
โThe multi-hyphenate filmmakerโs latest seems to anticipate dissection: its formal austerity belies a haphazard, literary-minded indulgence.โ
“What is the cost to oneself of living by a system of belief?”
“Much of Au hasard Balthazarโs transcendental value derives from its explicit openness to theological interpretation, particularly given Bressonโs oft-commented upon Catholicism and some of the filmโs more overt symbolism.”
“As formally challenging as ‘The Pillow Book’ may be, it romantically creates a love affair unbound by its physical limits, connecting it to past and present through art and literature.”
“It can’t help but seem like there was one film about a dog bringing people together in light of troubled times, if only briefly, but then it was decided that there would also be a film about a dog being a prop for stories that his detractors would label as ‘autopilot Solondz.'”
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