Films/DVD Asylum

The Favourite: Is that the smell of melting crayons?

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I put a lot of hope in The Favourite. Not sure that there is really a great film in any of the awards show nominees this year, I thought the Favourite must surely be that "great" contender. It's not.

Ruled and ruined by a peculiarly mannerist approach by the director of photography--all weird angle shots and changing lenses--it's a film that seems determined to destroy itself with "filmmaking." Much of the film looks like it was shot by Peter Dinklage running around with a hand held camera. Add to that an overused John Cage-esque musical motif and it becomes a viewing experience that is somewhat nauseating.

The three main actors are great, and Emma Stone--maybe--puts in a performance that will raise her to the level of a serious actor. Oliva Colman, so good in Broadchurch, gives a humorous self-effacing performance as the horny and indulgent royal widow. When you can see them through the weird lights and camera angles, the sets and costumes are almost resplendent.

This film seems like a mess that the director worked really hard to create. I found it too demanding of my attention and actually fell asleep during the last 10 minutes. It brought back a childhood memory of melting crayons and their noxious fumes.

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