Movie spotlight
Visionary artist Matthew Barney returns to cinema with this 3-part epic, a radical reinvention of Norman Mailer’s novel Ancient Evenings. In collaboration with composer Jonathan Bepler, Barney combines traditional modes of narrative cinema with filmed elements of performance, sculpture, and opera, reconstructing Mailer’s hypersexual story of Egyptian gods and the seven stages of reincarnation, alongside the rise and fall of the American car industry.
In 1970s Oregon, a woman works as a lawyer navigating personal and professional challenges. She struggles to find her footing in a male-dominated legal field while also dealing with the complexities of her relationships, particularly her marriage and a budding romance. The film offers a nuanced portrayal of her internal life and the subtle ways she asserts her independence.
Kelly Reichardt's "Certain Women" (initially titled "River of Fundament" during production) was lauded by critics for its minimalist aesthetic, deliberate pacing, and subtle character studies. The film was praised for its atmospheric portrayal of life in Montana and its understated performances, though some found its slow pace and ambiguity challenging.
Praised for its quiet, observational style and authentic depiction of rural life.
Michelle Williams and Kristen Stewart deliver nuanced, understated performances.
The film's deliberate pacing and ambiguity were seen as both a strength and a potential drawback.
Google audience: Audience reviews highlight appreciation for the film's atmospheric storytelling and authentic characters, with many finding the slow burn and subtle emotional arcs compelling. However, some viewers found the plot meandering and the lack of a strong narrative drive less engaging.
Screened at the Sundance Film Festival and the Berlin International Film Festival.
The film was originally titled 'River of Fundament' during its development and early production stages before being changed to 'Certain Women'.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources
Its not shit. See it if you can. The whole thing is quite long but there is always something new to look at. Some scenes run long, but I suspect this is expected, perhaps intentional. I didn't love it all, but plan to re-watch some time in ...