Andrei Zvyagintsev / Russia / 2011 / 109min
The enjoyment of film is, of course, subjective. However, that doesn’t stop the “am I missing something?” thought pattern that might occur when you watch something you think should be quite good. Chances are, that “something” just wasn’t there. Andrei Zvyagintsev’s critically acclaimed film explores one woman’s fractious ties between wealth and family without really making any substantial comment.
When Elena’s (Nadezhda Markina) hospitalised husband Vladimir (Andrey Smirnov) decides to cut her out of his will, she makes a decision that will change the future of her family. The multi-award winning film premièred in Cannes last year, but while the tension is captivating, the film could have said everything it wanted to in less than half the time it takes to watch it. Imagine a Russian, more sombre and slow version of a Cohen Brothers movie; the film is quiet and subdued with a sinister streak. Markina’s performance is humble and strong, complimented well by the cold aesthetic and gentle direction as her character constantly evolves. It’s a decent film and is enjoyable to watch, but the key decision Elena makes doesn’t carry discourse with it. And that’s exactly what stops it from being great.
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