Monday, July 7, 2014

Les salauds (Bastards) (2013)

Director: Claire Denis
Writers:  Jean-Pol Fargeau, Claire Denis
Cast:       Vincent Lindon, Chiara Mastroianni, Julie Bataille
Language:French

Marco returns to Paris after his brother-in-law's suicide, where he targets the man his sister believes caused the tragedy- though he is ill prepared for her secrets as they quickly muddy the waters.

I haven't seen any Claire Denis films prior to watching this and from what I have read, this film also has her characteristic style in the sense that she won't spell it out for the audience what the character's are feeling and expositions are minimal. So we are to figure it all out by paying attention and watching closely even the gestures. Film uses flash forwards and most of them come again in the chronological order as the film progresses but some are left hanging, like the kid's bicycle getting found in the woods by the Police.

It is a very atmospheric film with original soundtrack and unlikeable characters. It was screened at the Cannes in the 'Uncertain Category' which I think is a good criterion to get your hands on films that are unconventional. It is a good one time watch and I will be certainly seeking out other Claire Denis films.

Rating: 3.5/5  

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