Here it goes: These reviews have to be the hardest to write. The kind that are done for a favorite director, but not really from their best of work. Guy Maddin has impressed me, beyond belief, this year. Everything he makes is so original/unique and in his very own style/theme. One thing is for sure though, he can always make me laugh regardless of how the story turns out.
In this story, the sun never sets in the land of Mandragora, which is Peter Glahn's (our hero) homeland. One day on the boat ride back HOME, his heart is stolen by a woman, Juliana Kossel, who plays dirty mind games with him. Sucking him into a world of confusion and angst.
~~
Honestly, this film was a real let down for me, but I only say that "at this moment." - It really is one of those movies that you would have to be in a certain mood to enjoy. That is not the best a traits, but I got through it. I have to mention that the picture/color and the set designs/costumes were extremely phenomenal. Very bright; vibrant and pleasure-filled colours throughout the entire movie. Sort of like a Georges Méliès film in that sense, but if it were to be shot in a modern-day color- camera and if it was remastered. Another element this film carries is dubbing. The dialogue throughout this whole story is dubbed in. This may be annoying to some people, but I find it very fun and as long as you know it is Shelly Duvall's voice speaking for herself, it is all good.
**You cannot help but smile while viewing this movie. My favorite line is in the middle when Peter tosses Juliana's shoe out in the lake while they're on a boat. She subtly kneels down and lets free her other shoe saying:
"The shoe belongs to the lake now. I have no use for it. Perhaps little men will now row you back to shore."
Ha! What a line. Sounds like something from the mind of Guy Maddin, but it's not. In fact, I don't believe he written this fairytale script. I am sure he had some say in it, but the screenwriter for the project was a Mr. George Toles. What a surreal mind; my kinda guy. He usually co-writes on Maddin's stuff, but this one he probably had his first shot. Uh-oh.
I give this Guy Maddin film a depressing 3.5 out of 5 stars. I may change it later, when I am in a better place to watch it. As for now, I was hoping better from the Canadian wizard. I will give it a Sexy Orange Heart, though.
