ALEXANDRA'S PROJECT (2003)

Written & Directed By: Rolf De Heer
Cinematography By: Ian Jones
Editor: Tania Nahme

Cast: Helen Buday, Gary Sweet, Bogden Koca


This Austrailian film seems like it was clearly inspired by Director's Lars Von Trier and Michael Haneke as thisfilm deals with the issues of emotional violence and degradation. it deals with the ugliness of the world where everyone appears to be happy butonce you pull the curtain back they are haunted.

This film is almost like a play with two main actors and very few others. The film deals with a married couple, celebrating the husbands birthday he comes home from work to a surpise from his wife a videotape that she has left for him to watch. What starts out as a loving video soon turns into a disturbing torture piece. where he is left at the controls of what to do but continues to watch thought he more he does the mpore pain it causes.

It's hard to discuss the film without spoiling it. it is a incredibly well thought out film. that makes the audience feel likethehusband as you wince as the film goes along. it surprises you quite often. It is a film that stays with you long after you have finished the film. it makes you think. While it is not entirely successful it makes the point it intends too. it is quite lite compared to the director's films it tries to emulate. This film is a little more realistic to a point.

SPOILER

My only problem with the film is that it almost immediately thrusts you into the situation. it does give you a few minutes to glimpse their home life and her depression. Through the tapes we find out more about her feelings and what went wrong. I thought it would have been a little more interesting if we got a little more of a glimpse that would have prepared us or let us make up our own minds. Where as the film stands, We get her point of view and obviously believe it, as he doesn't protest or argue. Especially if she went this far, we know only the truth she tells could be the possible answer for this craziness. Though it would be more interesting if in the end it ended up she was just crazy.

SPOILER END

This film may seems small but it's punch packs a wallop. It sneaks up on you.

This is definately a film to check out. I think you will find yourself enjoying it and passing it along to other friends looking for a hidden gem.

Reading about it i found out that a number of actresses turned it downdue to the explicit nature of the film and the fact that a number of scenes would require them to be topless. The film was shot in continuity as i iamgine considering how the film plays it wouldbe best to have the actors work themselves into their emotions rather then having to revert all the time.

I want to thank FILM MOVEMENT which releases independent films that usually don't get seen except for at film festivals. Films that usually never get theatrical release. I am thnakful for this and MANITO. filmsthat ihave read about butwould have never seen if not for them.

It is really one of the few times that you get to see challenging films. Films that have actual creativity and get you at a emotional core and make a impact. They usually are underfunded but you can see the passion of the filmmaker in it.

GRADE: B