77
Metascore
14 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 100VarietyDeborah YoungVarietyDeborah YoungA film destined to divide Manoel de Oliveira's fans but also to win him new ones, A Talking Picture is his simplest, most linear story in memory.
- 100Christian Science MonitorDavid SterrittChristian Science MonitorDavid SterrittAs a nonagenarian, de Oliveira is the world's oldest working filmmaker, and still one of the best. This is a lovely, lively, timely treat for the eyes and mind.
- 90The New York TimesManohla DargisThe New York TimesManohla DargisIn both its intellectual reach and the elegant simplicity of its form, A Talking Picture bears resemblance to Andrei Sokurov's "Russian Ark."
- 88Chicago TribuneMichael WilmingtonChicago TribuneMichael WilmingtonIt's a great film that, sadly, may be ignored by all but the most dedicated, knowledgable filmgoers.
- 80Chicago ReaderJonathan RosenbaumChicago ReaderJonathan RosenbaumInitially this seems naive and archaic, but it conceals a Buñuelian stinger in its tail.
- 80The A.V. ClubNoel MurrayThe A.V. ClubNoel MurrayDe Oliveira wraps A Talking Picture with a simultaneous introduction and farewell--a bold curtain-dropper that's either a bleak joke or an imprecisely controlled scream of rage.
- 80The Hollywood ReporterFrank ScheckThe Hollywood ReporterFrank ScheckA thoughtful, provocative effort that makes up for its narrative failings with its astute philosophical musings.
- 75New York PostV.A. MusettoNew York PostV.A. MusettoMoves along its tranquil way until about five minutes before the closing credits, when it turns into a terrorist thriller.
- 70Village VoiceDennis LimVillage VoiceDennis LimStill astonishingly vital at 96, the Portuguese maestro Manoel de Oliveira here takes a becalmed trip through stormy waters.