Starring Colin Farrell and Rachel Weisz, The Lobster is a sci-fi/comedy/romance set in a world that looks like Earth but there are very different rules that govern how to live. One rule is that you have to live in a couple. If single, you’re sent to a hotel where you’ll have 45 days to find a partner. Should you fail to do so, you get turned into an animal of your choosing.
‘Delightfully nuts’ were the words that came to mind when I first saw the trailer for The Lobster. After finally experiencing it, I’d say that my words were accurate.
There is one thing I didn’t expect and that is just how dark the film actually gets. I found myself very happily amused from the start to around halfway through. Then the darkness set in and I didn’t laugh again until very close to the end.
The Lobster (2015), John C. Reilly
The film’s trailer led me to expect more humour than the horror I soon found myself confronted with. As such, I found myself somewhat disappointed with the end result. Not to say that The Lobster isn’t good because it’s true what many critics have said, the writing and the concept is original. The film is generally well executed and the movie is funny. I simply just had more fun during the funny moments and much less fun during the dark phase.
The people who love horror and comedy, maybe in equal measure are the ones who will have the best time. My favourite thing about writer/director Yorgos Lanthimos’ movieis that you can hardly accurately guess where the plot will take you next and that, as I’m sure you know is very rare indeed.
Also starring John C. Reilly, Lea Seydoux, Olivia Coleman, Ben Whishaw and Ashley Jensen, watch The Lobster for the humour and the element of difference. Just don’t expect to laugh throughout. And if I’m really honest, there actually isn’t that much stopping me from properly labelling The Lobster as a ‘comedy/horror’ film. Then again, I am generally quite the wuss, so…
Have you seen The Lobster? If so, what do you think?
The music and cinematography in Youth are the first things you’ll notice. Then comes the the dialogue and highly accomplished acting talent in the shape of Michael Caine, Harvey Keitel, Jane Fonda, Rachel Weisz and Paul Dano.
Youth reminds me of part of the reason why film is such a great love of mine. How through film, all the different forms of artistic expression can come together and be enjoyed, all in one place and in a whole new way.
As I would advise anyone before viewing a movie, watch only when you’re in the right mood for a particular genre of film. I fear that should you not be in the mood for the drama/non-action/non-thriller that Youth is, you may judge it unfairly.
Youth (2015), Rachel Weisz
Youth is the type of film that will likely leave you with plenty to think about; from what constitutes a good friendship, the cost of becoming one of the best in your field, to the things in life that drive us and the unexpected outcomes of the friendships/relationships in our lives.
There is so much to take in that by the end you’ll get the feeling that another viewing needs to happen soon, if not immediately. However, writer/director Paolo Sorrentino’s film is two hours long. As such, ‘immediately’ is probably not the best way to go.
Youth is wise and smart. It’s funny in parts, though not a comedy. It’s also officially my favourite Michael Caine film.
I really loved Youth, but embarrassingly, I knew very little of the rather accomplished Sorrentino’s work beforehand. I’ve since reviewed his filmography, and The Great Beauty (2013)is now on my watch list.
Time for me to think about when best to visit Switzerland, because the visual feast that is Youth definitely has me sold.
‘Delightfully nuts‘ seems like the perfect phrase to describe new drama/sci-fi/romance, The Lobster. I can’t wait to see how things turn out for Farrell’s character. However, perhaps the title of the movie may have given it away.
Personally, I’d want to be a Snow Leopard. You?
Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, the rest of the cast includes Olivia Coleman, Rachel Weisz, John C. Reilly, Ashley Jensen, Lea Seydoux and Ben Whishaw.
I saw the trailer for Youth a few months ago and thought it was a comedy. Not so much now, after this new version…
Directed by Paolo Sorrentino, it does look good, especially with a cast list that includes Jane Fonda, Harvey Keitel, Paul Dano, Michael Caine, Rachel Weisz and Alex Macqueen.
May this non-comedy not depress me, please. But if it must, I sure hope it’s worth it.
The Movie My Life 