Paul Schrader is at his most powerful & angered in 'First Reformed'. This stunningly unsettling spiritual drama, finds the director adapting themes with hard-hitting honesty. And Leading-Man Ethan Hawke delivers the performance of his career.
'First Reformed' follows a Protestant minister faced with questions of faith and morality while serving as a pastor of a dwindling historical church.
'First Reformed' is about a man who questions his own faith & morality, after life & circumstances around him, give him no choice but to think. Rev. Ernst Toller, the protagonist, is a troubled, shaken man, who represents god with genuine faith and watching him questioning his very own ideals & ideologies, makes for a deeply affecting & absorbing experience.
Schrader attacks the Trump Administration & reminds us how climate change is real & the future near us is bleak, while also questions God & its Preachers, to know if their practices still have a place in this ghastly world. Schrader's inner anger & bravery reflect in 'First Reformed' to outstanding effect. I don't want to give away any more spoilers ahead, as here is a film that is actually meant to be experienced in its no-holds-barred approach. Schrader has made a film that not only resurrects him back in the game of showbiz giants, but also among the very "ballsy" storytellers, who aren't afraid of speaking their mind. Schrader's Direction is chilling & his Writing, spell-binding!
Alexander Dynan's Cinematography captures the claustrophobic mood with excellence. Benjamin Rodriguez, Jr.'s Editing doesn't flinch to show us the darkness & remains sharp all through. Art & Costume Design are superbly done.
Performance-Wise: Ethan Hawke is astonishing. The supremely talented actor surrenders to Schrader's unforgiving vision & enacts the troubled protagonist with command. The actor has never been this good before. I suspect Oscar-Chase next year! Amanda Seyfried does very well. Cedric the Entertainer, in a non comedic role, is terrific. Victoria Hill is first-rate. Philip Ettinger is remarkable in a brief role. Michael Gaston is highly competent.
On the whole, 'First Reformed' is Power-Packed Cinema! An absolute must see.
'First Reformed' follows a Protestant minister faced with questions of faith and morality while serving as a pastor of a dwindling historical church.
'First Reformed' is about a man who questions his own faith & morality, after life & circumstances around him, give him no choice but to think. Rev. Ernst Toller, the protagonist, is a troubled, shaken man, who represents god with genuine faith and watching him questioning his very own ideals & ideologies, makes for a deeply affecting & absorbing experience.
Schrader attacks the Trump Administration & reminds us how climate change is real & the future near us is bleak, while also questions God & its Preachers, to know if their practices still have a place in this ghastly world. Schrader's inner anger & bravery reflect in 'First Reformed' to outstanding effect. I don't want to give away any more spoilers ahead, as here is a film that is actually meant to be experienced in its no-holds-barred approach. Schrader has made a film that not only resurrects him back in the game of showbiz giants, but also among the very "ballsy" storytellers, who aren't afraid of speaking their mind. Schrader's Direction is chilling & his Writing, spell-binding!
Alexander Dynan's Cinematography captures the claustrophobic mood with excellence. Benjamin Rodriguez, Jr.'s Editing doesn't flinch to show us the darkness & remains sharp all through. Art & Costume Design are superbly done.
Performance-Wise: Ethan Hawke is astonishing. The supremely talented actor surrenders to Schrader's unforgiving vision & enacts the troubled protagonist with command. The actor has never been this good before. I suspect Oscar-Chase next year! Amanda Seyfried does very well. Cedric the Entertainer, in a non comedic role, is terrific. Victoria Hill is first-rate. Philip Ettinger is remarkable in a brief role. Michael Gaston is highly competent.
On the whole, 'First Reformed' is Power-Packed Cinema! An absolute must see.