Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Grueling
Today's film surprises and satisfies. My Brother the Devil (2012) shows two brothers, one good one bad. A classic setup. But hardly a classic resolution as the younger tries to emulate the older and the end point becomes enmeshed in questions of sexual identity and adult choices. It is hard to accept the younger brother as only 14, he looks 20, but beyond that, the story wends its suspenseful way to a conclusion that one could not foresee. Or, rather, I could not see. It is great to watch, always stimulating the eyes and ears. Cinematography and sound design. These are London street kids, well Hackney, and it is hard to tell what they are saying some of the time. No subtitles for the American. But it doesn't matter really. The story is so well developed it comes through loud an clear. Also, a very subtle gay subtext is present with an original twist. Most expectations get dashed in this and we are drawn deeply into the events before us. A 4 for sure. I would gladly see it again.
Storming today on the outside. It is going to be windy, then cold with rain and I may get to transition to jeans from shorts. 40s and 50s at night. 60 and 70n days. Another step into our winter. We so seldom get real weather it is something of a treat.
