Reviews

"We are a ferocious animal. We humans are terrible animals. Our history is a history of wars. It's an endless story, a tale of madness." – Sebastião Salgado

Directed by Wim Wenders and Juliano Ribeiro Salgado this documentary goes through the life of the photographer Sebastião Salgado, from its childhood times in Minas Gerais until his current role as an activist and founder of Instituto Terra. Not following the typical poetic and metaphorical style, and sometimes pretentious, that characterizes Wim so much, this documentary follows a simple line, however it's not a light viewing. In fact, it's hard, graphic and even chocking in some parts. Divided between the outside interpretations of Wim and Juliano, they reckon their perspectives were complemented with each other's, Juliano as son of Sebastião and Wim as the outside look, admirer of Salgado's work. But it's when Sebastião analyzes its photographs, the highlight of the film, that we realize who he really is and what he testified, transporting us into an incredible journey of anger, despair and hope.

"Royal: I've always been considered an asshole, for about as long as I can remember. That's just my style."

Far from the conventional comedy, Wes Anderson presents us the history of the Tenenbaum family and its close friends, with a premium cast: Gene Hackman, Bill Murray, Ben Stiller, Luke and Owen Wilson and Gwyneth Paltrow (presenting us with one of the film's best scenes, coming out of a bus). Also Anjelica Houston is not to be overlooked, perfectly representing Etheline. Wes "geometrical" signature style pops out from the beginning of the film 'till the end, always with utter attention to detail.

Creating a sort of parallel world, the film is set at a non-clear epoch and also in an unidentifiable city. The story develops taking its time, describing us the life of a quirky (at least) family where Etheline and Royal's children have a special childhood, becoming prodigies in the most diverse areas. However, their lives tend to fall apart, in some way due to their absent father, becoming depressed persons. When the family comes back together, new conflicts arise and old memories return and between the family dramas, always with Wes characteristic humor, this eccentric film entertains managing at the same time to be tragic and hilarious.

Also worth mentioning is the excellent soundtrack with songs from Van Morrison, Bob Dylan, John Lennon, Nick Drake, Beatles, Rolling Stones, The Clash, Ramones, Velvet Underground and others.