#efthimisfilippou

[film-book]

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Film Review - KINDS OF KINDNESS (2024): Yorgos Lanthimos Creates Some More Stylish Scenarios Minus the Substance of His Previous Work https://film-book.com/film-review-kinds-of-kindness-2024-yorgos-lanthimos-creates-some-more-stylish-scenarios-minus-the-substance-of-his-previous-work/?feed_id=137340&_unique_id=6674f9ba29066

[doomonfilm]

Thoughts : The Lobster (2015)

Movies about love are a dime a dozen.  It seems, however, as the times change, human awareness expands, and technology/social media take over our everyday interactions with one another, the way that love and intimacy play out in our modern lives is undertaking a transformation.  While many movies choose to play it safe and fall into traditional narratives and expressions of what love is, The Lobster (via absurdity, of all things) takes one of the most honest looks at modern love that has been committed to the screen in years.

The film, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, and co-written by Lanthimos with Efthimis Filippou, is the tale of a society where single people are separated from society, housed together, and given 45 days to find a mate or be turned into the animal of their choice.  The rules in the colony are strict, discipline is swift for those that do not abide by them, and constant indoctrination is given to the residents in regards to the ideals of living with a partner.  Residents can extend their stay by hunting down ‘loners’, the single people that have chosen to live in the forest.

Colin Farrell and Rachel Weisz play our main protagonists in the film, with a score of antagonists set against them.  Ben Whishaw, Angeliki Papoulia and Olivia Colman all serve as foils against Farrell while in the single colony.  Léa Seydoux nearly steals the show as the Loner Leader.  John C. Reilly, Ariane Labed and Jessica Barden all turn in captivating performances as well.

Speaking of the performances, all of the actors take on a very guarded, calculated persona with their speech patterns and interactions.  Even amidst the loners or the inhabitants of the city, you find a very dry method of communication, even when what is being said is quite compelling.  In my opinion, this may be a reflection on the perceptions of communication today : social media taking away the nuance in our communication, the lessened importance of tact in modern day society, and the onslaught of political correctness so as not to offend anyone in any way, no matter how true a statement may be.

The extreme stances taken by the respective colonies also are reflective of the modern day absolute mindstate that seems to infiltrate love and intimacy.  Many people find themselves unable to enjoy the moments for fear of impending choices they must make, possible issues they may have to face, and personal concerns they are too afraid to address directly.  In the loner colony, you are literally forbidden to even dance with another person, as that may be misconstrued as intimacy.

This film is a genius work, and definitely one that people should take the time to dig deeper in to.  Based on your reaction to the film, it may say a lot about how you view love and intimacy in the modern world.