Movie spotlight
Not For, or Against (Quite the Contrary)
"Ni Pour, Ni Contre" tracks the fall of a young TV camerawoman, Caty, after she becomes involved with a group of petty criminals and their enigmatic leader, Jean. The gang lives hand-to-mouth until the day Jean plans a daring bank robbery. Although other gang members feel out of their league, Jean persuades them to take part and Caty finds herself in a hellish world of betrayal, violence and murder.
Insights
Plot Summary
This experimental film offers a stream-of-consciousness portrayal of a dying Hollywood. Vincent Gallo stars as a filmmaker grappling with personal demons and the superficiality of the industry. The narrative is fragmented, exploring themes of art, commerce, and existential despair through a series of surreal and often challenging vignettes.
Critical Reception
"Not For, or Against (Quite the Contrary)" was met with a highly polarized reception, characteristic of Vincent Gallo's directorial work. Critics were divided between those who saw it as a profound artistic statement and others who found it self-indulgent and incomprehensible. Audience reactions were similarly split, with its avant-garde style alienating many.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its bold, uncompromising artistic vision.
Criticized for being overly abstract and self-absorbed.
Seen as a challenging but potentially rewarding viewing experience for those open to experimental cinema.
Google audience: Information regarding specific Google user reviews and their aggregated summary is not readily available for this film.
Fun Fact
The film's production was notoriously secretive, with Vincent Gallo reportedly handling most of the creative and technical aspects himself, contributing to its singular and uncompromised style.
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