This week's filmfest is a winner - so much to choose from ranging from the world of high art, to cowboy shenanigans, cat videos, canine friends and old friends. Love for a grandchild figures large in two of them, while dogs, cats and bulls have starring roles in the other three.
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© Rialto - family, friends and past
secrets live in a French village |
Sublime! There's no other word for Francois Ozon's latest film, suffused with secrets, recriminations, fresh starts, and the devotion of an ageing grandmother towards her beloved grandson Lucas (Garlan Erlos). Set in the idyllic countryside of Burgundy it is the story of Michelle (Helene Vincent), who spends her languid days foraging for mushrooms with her best friend Marie-Claude (Josiane Balasko). When daughter Valerie (Ludivine Sagnier) turns up with Lucas, and a tragic mistake is made, Valerie's old resentments towards her mother are rekindled. When Marie-Claude's son Vincent (Pierre Lottin) gets out of prison, life brings some unexpected twists for both Michelle and Valerie. The film works splendidly on so many levels - the moral ambiguity of characters' motivations, actions and feelings is ever-present, bringing a thriller-like feel to the events. Autumn is gloriously portrayed visually in the golden countryside, working also as a metaphor for the ageing of both women. Helene Vincent gives an extraordinary lead performance, Lottin's nuanced Vincent keeps us guessing, and nothing is ever quite what it seems, except the various deep bonds of friendship and love. Perhaps this is Ozon's best film yet. You'll certainly need some tissues for this one! PS: The role of mushrooms in the film is quite timely, what with our own local mushroom dramas!
5 - unmissable
The Friend
Dir: David Siegel & Scott McGehee
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© Maslow Entertainment - more moving than
expected - lovely chemistry between Watts and the dog!
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Iris (Naomi Wattts) is a reclusive New York teacher and novelist. When her best friend and mentor Walter (Bill Murray) dies, she is saddled with caring for his dog, an enormous Great Dane named Apollo. You can pretty much predict this one from the outset. When Iris first reluctantly agrees to take Apollo, her life is turned upside down; the canine barely fits in her apartment and is so proprietorial he even takes over the bed, forcing Iris to sleep on the floor. But gradually, as the woman and dog bond, Iris begins to work her way through her grief over Walter's death, tackle her problems with her stalled writing career and self-doubts, and juggle relations with Walter's ex-wives. The film feels at first a bit "stiff" and literary, but it gradually mellows and is anchored by such a lovely performance from Watts, and an unforgettable turn from Bing the dog, that one cannot help but be drawn into the growing bond between them. I'm not a huge "doggie person", but I found the big fella so enchanting it really had me warmly engaged with the film.3.5 - well recommended
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© Palace - "How many million can we
get for this one?" |
The rarefied world of art auctions is the focus of this stylish French film, based upon a true story. Andre Masson (Alex Lutz) works for an auction house and specialises in appraising modern art. When he learns that a long-lost painting, possibly by great artist Egon Schiele, has turned up at the home of a young factory worker, he and his ex-wife Bettina (Lea Drucker) head out to check out the work. Trouble is, the artwork was owned by a Jewish family before it was presumed stolen by the Nazis. Who should now get the money for it and how much should it go for? The film gives an intriguing insight into the world of art dealings, but I found the overall processes involved rather hard to follow (no doubt my ignorance of the field). I was more fascinated by the characters and the questionability of their wheeling and dealing, along with the contrast between them and the integrity of the factory lad Martin Keller (Arcadi Radeff) in whose home the painting is found. While acknowledging the film's appeal to art lovers, for me it remains somewhat too convoluted and emotionally cold, although I find Drucker's performance a stand-out.3.5 - well recommended
The Last Rodeo
Dir: Jon Avnet
Length: 116 mins
Available to rent or buy on digital platforms
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© Rialto - a grandfather's love for
his grandson drives him to take a risk |
Joe Wainwright (Neal McDonough) is three-time bull riding champion of the world, but his last ride saw him severely injured and he's now retired. Grandson Cody (Graham Harvey) aspires to ride like his Pops, while mother Sally (Sarah Jones) is dead set against it. When Cody is diagnosed with a life-threatening brain tumor and the medical costs are unaffordable, Joe decides to re-enter the ring in the Veteran's Championship. With old pal and mentor Charlie (Mykelti Williamson) in tow, the two set off for Tulsa to see if Joe can bring home the winner's purse for his beloved grandson. I sure hadn't expected to enjoy this film as much as I did, not being one for American gung-ho rootin'-tootin' rodeo antics. Plus there is a low-key religious element (Charlie has the faith) that can feel a bit full on. However, the film is intelligently scripted, with credible dialogue and lovely performances from all. The relationship between Joe and Charlie is refreshingly gentle and open; no stereotyped taciturn cowboys here; rather blokes unafraid to express their feelings. And as for the actual bull-riding scenes - they are quite nail-bitingly tense and exciting. Despite a predictable outcome, and a couple of clunky elements, all in all a warm and entertaining old-fashioned type of film to enjoy.3.5 - well recommended
CatVideoFest2025
Curator: Will Braden
Length: 74 mins
Cinema Nova ONLY August 2 & 3
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© Oscilloscope - furry friends up
to their old tricks! |
Curator Braden compiles countless videos of cats - home movies, viral internet clips, animations, music videos and more. You can't catch this whole movie on the net, ONLY in cinemas! Now, I am not one for watching cat videos online, but I must say I found this crazy cat film extremely entertaining, with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. It's cute, cuddly, at times hilarious and at times quite touching. The film will screen for two days only, Australia wide, and money raised goes to cats in need.Recommended for all - unmissable for fans of feline antics!
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