jstrelou Reviews

The Only Living Boy in New York (2017)

Poetical and reminiscent of Woody Allen

[7/10 · 20 January 2024]

The way back stories are chronicled and the candid glimpse into the private lives of New Yorkers saw me checking whether this was directed by Woody Allen, it was not, however I have no doubt the director was inspired by him. The film delves into the many intricacies of relationships, the beauty that can be found, but also the sadness of always.wanting.more.

I found myself smiling at the some of the perversities explored and crying at the beautiful poetic sadness of love. At the heart of this is the whimsical nature of human beings, our search for more, and a reminder that everything is temporary.

Blonde (2022)

If you know, you know

[8/10 · 21 October 2022]

This movie captures the way growing up without a father can effect the trajectory of your life and your self esteem. As someone who also grew up without a father, I felt some of the decisions and things Marilyn said in my very core. I think, despite being male, Dominik did a great job of getting inside a woman's mind and portraying how she might feel in these degrading situations and portraying how lack of fatherly affection and low self esteem could lead you there.

Marilyn's character is very endearing, she's been through hell and still her heart is so pure. She also comes across as smart and underestimated.

Cinematography was exceptional and this was a movie that stayed with me for days. I felt the need to write this review when I saw all the other negative ones because I disagree.