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Zahgurim-2
Reviews
Mon oncle Antoine (1971)
Boring
Explores the frontiers of extreme boredom. Life in a small Canadian town in winter as an experiment in extreme sensory deprivation. Absolutely nothing happens as viewed through the eyes of a blank, deadpan, totally uninteresting protagonist. Viewers of this film should be prepared to hallucinate in the style of "Altered States".
In a groundbreaking study, David Snowden found that he could predict Alzheimer's thirty years in advance by comparing the autobiographical essays of nuns as they entered the convent. Those who eventually suffered the disease wrote in simple direct prose. The essays were quiet and contemplative with little optimism or episodes of joy.
Now, why did I mention that? Perhaps , my mind begins to slowly unravel watching this interminable, autobiographical, contemplative film which shows, in simple direct style, the bleak and stoic life of a small community, living next to giant slag heaps of asbestos.
This film became popular at the height of the Quebec separatist movement because of its presentation of this community as permanently wounded victims. Tragically, its writer-director was soon diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in the early 1980s and apparently committed suicide.
El Bola (2000)
Flawed diamond
There is a gaping flaw in the plot of this otherwise fine movie. The abused boy, Pablo, is taken to a hospital emergency room and his injured eyes stitched up by a doctor. In the real world, the examination of this beaten boy would immediately trigger an investigation of "trauma X". The hospital and the doctor are legally (and ethically) required to report all cases of potential child abuse.
Perhaps Alberto's family may fear that they will be accused. X-rays can reveal prior healed fractures, and the pattern of healed scars and of the present injuries would reliably point to abuse predating Pablo's acquaintance with Alfredo and his family.
It is very strange to watch a movie that unfolds with realistic portraits of the two families and their social milieus and then jump to a completely implausible ethical dilemma of whether or not Pablo should be returned to his abusive father.