![]() ![]() ![]() That said, NIGHT MOVES nevertheless finds Reichardt spin an idiosyncratic and effective yarn about the compounding effects of guilt and desperation. The end result, funnily enough, loses some of the resonance of Reichardt’s particular artistry in its reach towards a more-commercial profile. In many ways, NIGHT MOVES represents the most “conventional” film of Reichardt’s career, diving further headlong into subversive genre storytelling after the success of her anti-western MEEK’S CUTOFF in 2010. Written by her scripting partner Jonathan Raymond, the film is structured as a simmering thriller about unintended consequences and the emotional fallout from a deed you can’t undo. It is precisely this scenario that director Kelly Reichardt explores in her fifth major feature, NIGHT MOVES (2013). Nevertheless, the psychology behind such a character that can claim absolute righteousness within such a slim grey area of morality makes for compelling drama. It also doesn’t make a good look for other environmentalists trying to enact change through legitimate means. Blowing up a dam to restore natural water flows isn’t necessarily evil, per se, but it does cause a criminal amount of damage and could put the local population in danger. Their mission, however, is something of a paradox- to be a responsible steward of nature is to care for all the living things supported by it. This sentiment has given rise to a movement of renegade eco-activists fringe militants who actively desire (and attempt) to sabotage our energy infrastructure in the name of a cleaner planet. Desperate times call for desperate measures. In this time of runaway climate crisis, they might argue, the cost of inaction is too high to ignore. Of course, any movement or cause is going to have its fringe fanatics- extremists who refuse to recognize nuance (and sometimes even reason) into the conversation, committing themselves to the politicization of issues that we all should theoretically be able to agree on. The beauty of nature knows no politics our lush forests and bubbling streams of fresh mountain water inspire conservative and liberal alike to maintain the sanctity of our environment. The state of Oregon boasts a long and proud history of eco-activism, be it as simple as routine composting and recycling at the individual level or as sweeping as governmental efforts aimed at preserving our natural resources. And that's what counts.Notable Festivals: Venice, Deauville (Grand Prix) It's a good noir, and watch it because of that. Just don't go into Night Moves with high expectations, like the critics will get you to believe with their 4/4 star ratings. It's one of the best things that this film has to offer. Here in Night Moves, his performance is one of the most attractive things. His work nowadays doesn't really even being to compare with his 70's and 80's filmography. Gene Hackman continues to impress me with these younger roles. This film is just a slight tick above average, when it should be powerful. Just know that the blame goes to someone, even if that someone doesn't have a face. I don't blame the cast or really even the direction. You understand what I mean? Night Moves is a good film, but it needs to be a great film. Why? The story is intriguing enough and it certainly holds many of the traits found in film noir, but it just doesn't have the "oomph" that it needs. It's impossible not to enjoy watching a mystery as it unfolds.Īrthur Penn's Night Moves is good example of noir, but it isn't a fantastic film. Each noir film has an underlying meaning, and they all deal with dark themes: greed, murder, corruption. There are so many likable characteristics about it.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |