La Haine
2/4
Starring: Vincent Cassel, Said Taghmaoui, Hubert Kounde
Not Rated (probable R for Violent Content, Drug Use and Some Language)
In English, the title of this film, "La Haine," means "The Hate."
"La Haine" is one of those movies that looks great. The black and white cinematography gives it a stark and lasting impression that is impossible to ignore (ironically, it was actually filmed in color but changed in post-production by writer/director Mathieu Kassovitz). The film visually dazzling with an eye for shot composition that really only comes across in independent cinema like this. Ironically, as good as its technical credits are, they are the film's biggest problem.
The film follows three men in the aftermath of slum riots against the police, where their friend Abdel was gravely wounded and a gun was stolen. Vinz (Cassel) is a hot-headed Jewish man whose impulsive behavior and desire for revenge make him a liability. Said (Taghmaoui) is small and naive, but compensates with a false act of bravado. Hubert (Kounde) is the smartest of the three and acts as a mediator.
It's easy to see what Kassovitz is going for. He wants to create a slice-of-life drama about the anger and pent-up rage that young men with economic and social woes feel. The problem is that it's too professional. It's photogenic and looks great, but this is a cold and lifeless film. The emotion and energy of films from Martin Scorcese and Spike Lee, who are obvious influences, doesn't come across. It's a cold, dry film that encourages distance. This is one of those movies that mimics reality rather than reflects it.
The performances are strong, which isn't surprising, considering that it launched the careers of two of France's most exciting exports. Vincent Cassel is at his live wire best as Vinz. He's quick-tempered and carries a sense of danger about him. Cassel has always been an actor most at home playing extreme characters. Who can forget his performance as the fatuous Duke D'Anjou in "Elizabeth"? Or the strange brother in "Brotherhood of the Wolf?" Said Taghmoui has had a nice career as a character actor, and is in fine form here, playing a man who isn't as smart or as brave as he wants everyone to believe. Finally, there's Hubert Koune, who hasn't hasn't had much of a career outside this movie, but nevertheless gives a nicely modulated performance.
"La Haine" is a movie with huge ambitions, but it misses the mark. It is made with a level of craftsmanship, but the characters are not precisely defined and Kassovitz never finds a way to express his ideas. It's a movie without a clear focus or purpose.
Starring: Vincent Cassel, Said Taghmaoui, Hubert Kounde
Not Rated (probable R for Violent Content, Drug Use and Some Language)
In English, the title of this film, "La Haine," means "The Hate."
"La Haine" is one of those movies that looks great. The black and white cinematography gives it a stark and lasting impression that is impossible to ignore (ironically, it was actually filmed in color but changed in post-production by writer/director Mathieu Kassovitz). The film visually dazzling with an eye for shot composition that really only comes across in independent cinema like this. Ironically, as good as its technical credits are, they are the film's biggest problem.
The film follows three men in the aftermath of slum riots against the police, where their friend Abdel was gravely wounded and a gun was stolen. Vinz (Cassel) is a hot-headed Jewish man whose impulsive behavior and desire for revenge make him a liability. Said (Taghmaoui) is small and naive, but compensates with a false act of bravado. Hubert (Kounde) is the smartest of the three and acts as a mediator.
It's easy to see what Kassovitz is going for. He wants to create a slice-of-life drama about the anger and pent-up rage that young men with economic and social woes feel. The problem is that it's too professional. It's photogenic and looks great, but this is a cold and lifeless film. The emotion and energy of films from Martin Scorcese and Spike Lee, who are obvious influences, doesn't come across. It's a cold, dry film that encourages distance. This is one of those movies that mimics reality rather than reflects it.
The performances are strong, which isn't surprising, considering that it launched the careers of two of France's most exciting exports. Vincent Cassel is at his live wire best as Vinz. He's quick-tempered and carries a sense of danger about him. Cassel has always been an actor most at home playing extreme characters. Who can forget his performance as the fatuous Duke D'Anjou in "Elizabeth"? Or the strange brother in "Brotherhood of the Wolf?" Said Taghmoui has had a nice career as a character actor, and is in fine form here, playing a man who isn't as smart or as brave as he wants everyone to believe. Finally, there's Hubert Koune, who hasn't hasn't had much of a career outside this movie, but nevertheless gives a nicely modulated performance.
"La Haine" is a movie with huge ambitions, but it misses the mark. It is made with a level of craftsmanship, but the characters are not precisely defined and Kassovitz never finds a way to express his ideas. It's a movie without a clear focus or purpose.
Comments
Post a Comment