Reviews

I saw this movie a few days ago and have been haunted by it ever since. I am writing this review more to clarify my own thoughts and feelings rather than to try and influence anyone to see (or not see) it. I have always believed the sexiest/most compelling thing about a woman is her confidence, and, for me, Personal Shopper is the cinematic equivalent of that belief. I cannot remember ever seeing a movie so supremely confident in itself, which kept my eyes glued to the screen wanting to know more. Director Olivier Assayas managed to create a film that is so sure of itself it defies all genres, conventions, and expectations. He found a perfect balance between not caring what the audience thinks about his movie without alienating or insulting his audience with how much he doesn't care. No emotional manipulation or trying to cater to/please the widest possible audience here, which is so very refreshing. This is what he has to say. Take it or leave it. Love it or hate it. So, while it is not the best movie I have ever seen and has it's flaws, I am still giving it a very high rating for daring to be different. On a side note, taste in movies is extremely subjective, so I can understand and respect the reasons why other reviewers gave this movie such low ratings. However, I do not agree with the common practice of putting down other reviewers/calling them idiots for having different opinions. In a perfect world, I wish we could all just agree to disagree without being hateful/hurtful. Peace.

Maybe it's because every other movie that comes out these days is a sequel, reboot, or remake and I've been starved for something original. Maybe I'm just nuts. Whatever the reason, I haven't been so thoroughly entertained by a movie in years! Mere words cannot do The Greasy Strangler justice. It must be seen/experienced to be believed. After the opening scenes, I expected the "gimmicks" to get old/tedious fast, however, I was pleasantly surprised to find it growing on me. Sure, it was absurd, outrageous, cartoonish, and juvenile, but that is all part of its charm. I admired the director's ability to walk the fine line between being raunchy without being offensive. I was surprised by the fact that, despite being deeply flawed/neurotic and in so many undignified situations, the main characters still managed to maintain their dignity. I was also surprised by the movie's sense of fun/playfulness, showcasing the main characters in a straight forward way without being ugly or mean-spirited. There was also a lot of unexpected heart during the father/son bonding moments. As for the plot twist near the end...I can usually spot the twists coming a mile away, but I definitely didn't see that one coming! I promise you, you've never seen anything like The Greasy Strangler and it will stay with you long after the credits roll. Whether that's a good thing or a bad thing is for you to decide.