It took a long time before the Argentine director returned to the scene. On this occasion, he does it with his first production in Hollywood.
‘Misanthropic’
After a break of almost a decade since the success of ‘Wild Tales’, director Damián Szifron returns to theaters with ‘Misanthrope’, his most recent project. This film marks a turning point in Szifron’s career, as it is his first foray into English-language cinema, a joint production between the United States, Canada and Argentina.
‘Misanthrope’ follows the hunt for a ruthless serial killer by a team of tortured FBI agents. The plot takes place in an always troubled Baltimore, although the filming took place mainly in Montreal, with some additional touches in Buenos Aires due to budget restrictions.
‘Misanthropic’
The film features a cast headed by Shailene Woodley, Ben Mendelsohn, Ralph Ineson and Jovan Adepo, who provide solid and restrained performances, taking the audience on a roller coaster of emotions throughout its 119 minute duration.
Eleanor (Shailene Woodley), a low-ranking agent with a tumultuous past linked to self-flagellation and drugs, teams up with Geoffrey Lammark (Ben Mendelsohn), a gay investigative agent, to solve the case of the serial killer. From the beginning, Szifron captures the viewer’s attention with a shocking sequence: on New Year’s Eve, fireworks give way to gunshots that unleash chaos and take the lives of many people. With relentless narrative and surgical precision, the director creates a tense and claustrophobic atmosphere that continues throughout the film.
But ‘Misanthrope’ is not limited to being a typical suspense tape; is a film that dares to question and explore current social and political issues. From tensions within the FBI to the increasing intrusion of politics and the role of the media, the film reflects on the bureaucracy, manipulations and hidden interests that exist within the security and intelligence services.
‘Misanthropic’
The film has received mixed reviews in the United States. In France, it has been well received by most media, attracting over 100,000 viewers in its first week of screening.
‘Misanthrope’ is a risky and courageous bet on the part of Szifron. A thriller that defies the standards of the genre, addressing social issues and diversity in a bold and realistic way. Despite its limitations, the film does its job. It is yet another proof that the Argentine director continues to be a reference name.
2023-07-16 22:51:21
#Wild #Tales #Damian #Szifron #film
