Between two installments in the Mad Max franchise, George Miller signs (he is the co-writer) an unclassifiable, timeless film, not only in terms of its subject matter, but also its artistic direction and treatment. We could even say that the film is completely out of step with what's been happening in recent years.
Which ultimately makes it curious, not indispensable, but interesting. On its form, because the film has benefited from the means at its disposal. Its subject is a genius (Idris Elba, solid) who is brought to life by a cultural specialist (Tilda Swinton, moving) who tells him his story. The film's visual richness comes from its many eras, settings and characters. Admittedly, this story of genius seems anachronistic and only mildly exciting. But this film is worth considering, because when an artist like George Miller takes an interest in it and creates it (art direction, direction, screenplay), it's bound to be interesting and have something to offer. We find in it some of his bestiary and his preoccupations.
All in all, the film is about solitude and love. Beneath its mysterious, fantastic trappings lies a portrait of several solitude, who meet and love each other. When you put it like that, you'd almost think you were watching Aki Kaurismäki, but not at all: we're in a highly sophisticated fantasy world.
Which ultimately makes it curious, not indispensable, but interesting. On its form, because the film has benefited from the means at its disposal. Its subject is a genius (Idris Elba, solid) who is brought to life by a cultural specialist (Tilda Swinton, moving) who tells him his story. The film's visual richness comes from its many eras, settings and characters. Admittedly, this story of genius seems anachronistic and only mildly exciting. But this film is worth considering, because when an artist like George Miller takes an interest in it and creates it (art direction, direction, screenplay), it's bound to be interesting and have something to offer. We find in it some of his bestiary and his preoccupations.
All in all, the film is about solitude and love. Beneath its mysterious, fantastic trappings lies a portrait of several solitude, who meet and love each other. When you put it like that, you'd almost think you were watching Aki Kaurismäki, but not at all: we're in a highly sophisticated fantasy world.