This is the film that is at the height of Boyle's directorial style and essence. Its just good cinema, plain and simple. Though it doesn't break any barriers, what it does do is balance story, substance, style and emotion in an effortless sort of way.
Reviews
4 Reviews
Three Worlds
(2018)
A true gem for the right viewer
16 October 2018
Without needing to say it, this is not for everyone. In fact, it's not for most. But for a certain niche audience, its a true gem of a film. Motlagh throws the kitchen sink into this, and what is left is a haunting, lasting portrait of a character searching for meaning, that benefits from repeat viewings. The film starts to form the longer you go into it, and the particular rhythm starts to make sense. Without spoiling it, one particular scene was extra memorable and came from left field. For fans of challenging, cutting-edge, foreign, arthouse and experimental film, this is the good stuff.
Whale
(2010)
Original, honest and beautiful little Indie
15 May 2010
Let me start this review by stating that I scaled the rating under the consideration that this is a very small indie film. Even smaller in scale then most indies I've seen as thats what I'm mostly interested in. I also believe that I fall into exactly the target audience, age wise and life circumstance. And while I gave it 10 stars (not the most technically advanced film-making) and was deeply moved, i know without a doubt, that this film is not for everybody. Also, this is probably the hardest film I can possibly review. Nothing is conventional in it to write about. It just does its own thing.
OK, with that out of the way, the film is about a Persian American character named Cameron (Amir Motlagh). Cameron seems to have had some relationship and life issues (unpublished writer) thats caused him to drive back home to his parents house. He is aimless, but something is definitely stirring in him. Although the plot is mostly understated and minimal, we learn more about Cameron through a series of scenes, still images, and some voice overs throughout the film. His inner life is a bit different then his actions. These are the interesting elements of the film that really draw you in after awhile.
The film is supported with a great collection of characters, including Cameron's friend Darren (Darren Oneil), whom I assume is not really an actor since I couldn't find any other credits. His character is also aimless, but in different ways, and is very likable, and in some weird inverted way, a type of comic relief. Also, an ex girlfriend (Kindy Barr), Mike (Micheal Flowers) and Motlagh's parents, which all provide honest and believable performances. Somehow, the film is very funny, while retaining a serious quality.
Cameron goes on a soul searching quest. Thats about the only way I can sum it up, without giving away the film. Basically, its composed of a few scenes, and like I said, you fall into a sort of trance, and 20 minutes in, you realize that maybe a mirror is being placed into your own life. Of course, my circumstances are similar, so I could relate to that world.
I highly recommend this to the more adventurous and open minded cinephile, from a director that I hadn't heard of till now, and whom I will definitely seek out in the future.
OK, with that out of the way, the film is about a Persian American character named Cameron (Amir Motlagh). Cameron seems to have had some relationship and life issues (unpublished writer) thats caused him to drive back home to his parents house. He is aimless, but something is definitely stirring in him. Although the plot is mostly understated and minimal, we learn more about Cameron through a series of scenes, still images, and some voice overs throughout the film. His inner life is a bit different then his actions. These are the interesting elements of the film that really draw you in after awhile.
The film is supported with a great collection of characters, including Cameron's friend Darren (Darren Oneil), whom I assume is not really an actor since I couldn't find any other credits. His character is also aimless, but in different ways, and is very likable, and in some weird inverted way, a type of comic relief. Also, an ex girlfriend (Kindy Barr), Mike (Micheal Flowers) and Motlagh's parents, which all provide honest and believable performances. Somehow, the film is very funny, while retaining a serious quality.
Cameron goes on a soul searching quest. Thats about the only way I can sum it up, without giving away the film. Basically, its composed of a few scenes, and like I said, you fall into a sort of trance, and 20 minutes in, you realize that maybe a mirror is being placed into your own life. Of course, my circumstances are similar, so I could relate to that world.
I highly recommend this to the more adventurous and open minded cinephile, from a director that I hadn't heard of till now, and whom I will definitely seek out in the future.
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