My last review was for a film nobody had seen yet and nobody knew what it would be. On account of it's a Surprise Film. Here it is.
This year's mythopoeic SURPRISE MOVIE, lensed some time after the prehistoric age, is an unrecognisable reincarnation of the then amateur director’s directorial debut, SPOILT IT ISLAND, cinematographised in the 20th century. ISLAND, the film that inspired the adage, “Never work with children, animals or Val Kilmer”, explored anti-sexuality and the occult as well as exposing the hypocrisy of those who profess beliefs that they do not possess. This new version is more visually engaging than Aardman Animations' poignant summer hit MAUS, and funnier than Sam Raimi's political satire BUSH AND GORE. The cast comprises a troupe of thespians and performers whose actuality has to be seen to be believed. Structurally, SURPRISE could be compared to Riverchon’s TWISTER (2001), which was literally a rollercoaster ride with two peaks. However, the shooting style is camera focussed, paying slight homage to Russ Meyer’s documentary FASTER, PUSSYCAT! KILL! KILL!; the sheer cinematography is undeniable.
The film follows a three-act structure, possibly dealing with themes of separation and return, of atonement and the quest for understanding. Its narrative is drawn as much from what is left unspoken as from what is revealed, and when the non-titular SURPRISE hits, there won't be a dry seat in the house. Can a killer with a 30 second memory span truly find redemption? Was Michael Jackson’s Moonwalk faked? Don’t look to SURPRISE for the answers. At the end of the day, if you laughed when you saw Rowan Atkinson flick THE BEAN, then this is not the film for you.
Multiple laughs, thank you.
Posted by: air at juillet 28, 2007 11:01 AM