Thursday, October 6, 2016

Son of Joseph (2016) New York Film Festival 2016

A young man who doesn't know who his father is discovers who it is. He then plots to kill him, however things happen...

Off kilter comedy is the sort of film where everyone will see the humor but not everyone will laugh  because of the very mannered intentionally structured story. That's not an indication that the film is bad, rather it means there is going to be a hell of a lot more people who like the film as opposed to loving it.

The problem with the film is entirely the fault of writer director Eugene Green who more often then not has the characters staring into the camera as they speak. There are few real conversations, everything is mini monologues, or artificial exchanges. All of the performances are modulated to remain on a certain level. It makes for some interesting moments as Mathieu Amalric seems to be straining not to act his scenes in a realistic fashion. He also structures the film as a kind of religious allegory for no real reason.

I don't dislike the film, I just didn't click with it. I suppose if I did I would have been doubled over with laughter as the gentleman to my left was.

The film plays October 9 & 10. For tickets and more information go here.

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