Review of Child's Pose

I saw the film on the International Filmfestival in Berlin this week, world premiere. I just translate my notes I made after watching the film. The issues of the movie could be interesting, but the realization is not well. A mother who takes control over the life of her adult son. A son who wants to defy the control of his mother. Common corruption in Romania. But none of this, really nothing, is elaborated well. No emotional involvement possible. Too long sequences unnecessary to tell the story. But acting is alright, especially Luminita Gheorghiu in the end. But that can't compensate the weaknesses of the script and direction. The camera work is hard to bear too. Handhold cameras are a good way to emphasize a personal perspective. But a whole movie filmed like this gives a feeling of seasickness. In some moments it looks simply unprofessional. Unbelievable this film wins the Golden Bear as best film! The jury is nuts. There were really good films on Berlinale-Festival, but not this one. A masterpiece of boring European cinema!