Aaron's Thoughts
Forgot just how excellent this was. Holy smokes.
Love how unafraid Luca is to move & play with the camera throughout. It starts pretty early in the airport where the camera becomes a pair of sunglasses. Later the camera ascends to the clouds above the swimming pool. My favorite though involves a dinner scene with all four characters. Penelope stands up to leave and leans in to hug Harry and kiss him on the cheek. As she leaves the table, the camera follows her and does a quick zoom in on her fingers as she taps the table on her way out. It’s a small moment, but exemplifies what Luca is doing throughout.
Upon first glance you could think of these camera moves as superfluous. That is, until you realize that these quick zooms, unique angles, and other choices aren’t just to accentuate how Luca is telling this story. They are the story. This isn’t a film about plot. It is about behavior. How we all think that we are rational beings when in reality we are completely driven by emotion.
It’s the sort of character driven film that I adore. No dynamic is left unturned for Luca to examine. Gender dynamics. Socioeconomic dynamics. Power dynamics. Celebrity dynamics. Toxic relationship dynamics. Codependent relationship dynamics. Generational dynamics.
I’m not quite sure that any other filmmaker would be capable of giving us exactly what Luca does here. His love for the human body (especially the thigh) feels uniquely perfect for the characters & themes here. His grasp & portrayal of wealth & indulgence is spectacular. And it all being set to the backdrop of the Italian countryside feels like the cherry on top.
I really hope the academy someday gives him the recognition he deserves. He’s one of the best around.
It feels wrong to not mention any of the career best performances on screen, but I will specifically call out Fiennes. In a career of full of legendary performances, I’m not sure that he gives a better one than he does here. The way he dances around like he owns the world was enough for my dog to be glued to the TV.
Special movie!
