The best director alive? Certainly, Portugal's Pedro Costa must

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Posted by tinear (A) on September 26, 2007 at 06:24:09

be considered among the most elite.
I am lucky enough to be visiting Amherst where his entire oeuvre is being shown, along with the presence of the director, himself!
Last night, "Bones" was shown.
This is not film as I have come to realize it. Nor is it a documentary. Rather, it is a fictional story "acted" by non-actors which fully erases the "me vs. them" or detachment which all other films allow the viewer.
Here, the horrors which befall the characters appear unshaded, unimproved, completely transparent.
Suicide, infanticide, murder--- Costa doesn't flinch from portraying life on the very furthest fringes of society.
A day later, I'm still very troubled by this film but it isn't because of any blood-spattering, extreme violence, or hateful dialogues: Costa removes all the trappings of "traditional" cinema leaving the viewer with no escape, nothing to whisper to himself, "it's just a film."
At Cannes, this year, his film, "Colossal Youth," was the most highly praised.
"Bones" is the first installment of his already completed trilogy filmed in the poorest immigrant neighborhood of Lisbon (Portugal)and all (somewhat) about the same characters.
Great art is truth: see his films but be forewarned.

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Topic - The best director alive? Certainly, Portugal's Pedro Costa must - tinear 06:24:09 09/26/07 (13)

RE: The best director alive? Certainly, Portugal's Pedro Costa must - Pondfish 18:39:50 09/28/07 (0)

It's a toss up... - Audiophilander 22:53:14 09/26/07 (9)

I'll still suggest Mallick... - dave c 13:35:56 09/28/07 (4)

"I'll still suggest Malick".....I agree with you...the films he makes are.. - TWB 07:50:37 09/29/07 (3)

Mallick's "lost years" - dave c 01:13:47 09/30/07 (2)

Mallick's Dirty Harry!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - dave c 01:19:03 09/30/07 (1)

"The Elephant Man"......perhaps the ONLY Lynch film I like....Oh wait... - TWB 22:25:47 09/30/07 (0)

You're talking fast food, I'm discussing cuisine. nt - tinear 05:04:13 09/28/07 (1)

No, I'm discussing something tasty while you're discussing the merits of grey poupon. (nt) - Audiophilander 22:40:11 09/29/07 (0)

Even Ridley Scott bitch slaps those clowns. * - mr grits 06:35:16 09/27/07 (1)

He would have been 3rd on my list, ...just for you. (nt) - Audiophilander 21:12:07 09/27/07 (0)

Godard - The Duke 06:53:51 09/26/07 (1)

Godard is Stravinsky. Costa is Stockhausen. nt - tinear 08:36:53 09/26/07 (0)

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