Bye Bye Blackbird

Just saw this at a special screening in LA at the American Cinematheque. I normally like most French films, even ones that aren't great. This, however, isn't a French film for about 98% of its running time (the leading man is French, but the entire film save for one scene, is in English - and bad English at that). I couldn't wait to come here to the IMDb because I just knew I'd find some raves - as I was watching this dreadful film I thought no one in their right mind could rave about this - but I always underestimate the people who "review" or stick up their thoughts for the world to read.

This film wants so badly to be poetic - pathetic, maybe, poetic, never. The dialogue is wretched, the plot is non-existent, as are the characters. Poor Derek Jacobi eats every piece of scenery in view. The director is a young person, and he's so in love with his little film-school homages and art, but like most youngsters who get to make films these days, he had no clue as to how to tell a story or make an audience give a flying Wallenda about anything they are seeing.

I don't know what film the "ravers" saw, but it sure wasn't this one. Different strokes for different folks? I guess there IS a sucker born every minute.

It is a sad fairy tale taken place at the beginning of the last century. The beautiful camera works and the production design always leave you the feeling of the surreality. The dialogues are poesies rather than real conversations which I didn't feel at ease at the beginning. The stunning last scene is like a theatrical version of the ending of "Over the cuckoo's nest." To me it is a classic film but not obsolete.

James Thierree appeared to me the most attractive in this title than in other films. Jodhi May displays her acting ability sometime overwhelming Isabella Miko.

I saw this film in Tokyo last October. In the theater, we found Wim Wenders discreetly among the audience. He seems to like this film very much, which I understand.

I just saw Bye Bye Blackbird at the EU Film Festival in Chiang Mai last night. My wife chose to see this film because of its positively-looking synopsis. Well, just the title is the tale-tell sign that what the brochure says is not quite true. This is a very dark film about tragedies at a circus, set during the time when such entertainment is on the brink of extinction.

Excellently filmed. Beautiful surreal shots. Very moving. You have to be cruel not to shed tears watching it.

Superb performances by all brilliant actors and actresses. Although this film is made in Luxemburg, more than 90% of the time the characters do speak European English.

You had to feel this movie. It would also help if your were a romantic.

Dark, compelling, "Bye Bye Blackbird" tells the story of a circus family and the tragedies that impact their lives. You leave the film wondering what was real and what was a dream. The photography was beautiful and surreal. I cared about these characters and when people make decisions for others. The outcomes can be overwhelming and sad.

As a huge Jodhi May fan, her performance was fantastic and the rest of the cast was remarkable. She looks very different and she continues to prove herself as a character actress.

I saw it at a film festival in CA and the director appeared to answer questions about the production.

If you get a chance to see it, I highly recommend this movie.