Films/DVD Asylum

Posted by tinear (A) on February 19, 2010 at 08:45:27

two other films, The Headless Woman and The Swamp, Martel trains her microscope upon the inner workings of a middle-class family, in this case, one that runs a somewhat decadent hotel. A divorced woman, who has a beautiful pubescent daughter (such angelic and pre-Raphael-like beauties always figure prominently in her films), is managing the hotel during a medical convention. As the film begins, her daughter has a slight sexual encounter with one of the doctors in whom the mother eventually shall become interested.
The unusual angles and framing, the mysterious relationships--- familial and otherwise--- which slowly are revealed, and the jump cuts which abruptly juxtapose differences make for a very entertaining and original experience--- nothing "art house" slow and ponderous here.
This is one of the finest explorations of sexuality I have ever seen, as are Martel's other two films I have seen, and cements Martel as not only one of the most original voices of modern cinema but firmly as one of the very best.
I cannot think, in fact, of another director who has produced three films this excellent in such a short time.
Exquisite film making: intelligent, riveting, and completely unique.