vvdmaster Reviews

The Sleep of Reason (2007– )

Ambiguous, but effective

[9/10 · 17 November 2007]

It's interesting how this project, presented on TV as something that was originally conceived to be a podcast, has evolved to become a full fledged television series. Although intentionally surrounded by much mystery and ambiguity, the 8 episodes (I only managed to see five of them) actually happen to be quite entertaining and well produced. The story revolves around the murder of a psychiatrist (whom we only see in flashback mode) and the attempt by her alleged assassin to turn the responsibility of the killing on to her husband, himself a psychiatrist. But this plot is only a pretext to introduce what I thought was the really new concept underlying this project: that everything real has always an "unreal" or supernatural alter ego, so that in analyzing what is going on the series' host (a journalist who has become a good friend to the husband) draws your attention to issues like communication with the dead or unknown rituals rather than to the factual investigation of the murder. Although I have no idea of how this first chunk of the series ends at episode 8, I liked how the authors totally broke the usual rules of dramatic narration to come up with something that at least explores ways to make a story enjoyable on both your TV screen and on your ipod.

Heroes (II) (2006–2010)

Finally something completely innovative

[10/10 · 17 November 2007]

Notwithstanding the many references that could be drawn to X-Men and other superhero-based concepts, "Heroes" has something to it that makes it stand out very strongly. Besides the fact that you get hooked since episode 1, with a cast of characters that are extraordinarily credible in their absolute originality, it is as if you are listening to a music you've heard before, but with a far more experienced orchestra director. It's a complicate puzzle that gets torn apart and slowly rebuilt at each episode, with a fast pace that leaves room to the human relationships so that the supernatural and rational elements blend almost perfectly. I loved the character of Mohinder Suresh, wonderfully played by actor Sendhil Ramamurthy who's become quite a frequent face on U.S. series (I saw him on "Grey's Anatomy" and "Numbers"), and that of Hiro Nakamura. Finally something new, with an intricate, yet coherent storyline and an extraordinary production value.

The Right Distance (2007)

Credible and stimulating

[8/10 · 16 November 2007]

It is pleasant to see Carlo Mazzacurati, one of Italy's finest director, finally return to the artistic strength and depth of character or his early works such as "Notte Italiana". Set in a small northern Italian town whose solitude and cold it reflects so powerfully, the movie beautifully depicts a story of tragic humanity with characters mastered with excellence by three newcomers, among whom Valentina Lodovini emerges as a promising new actress. Likely the best Italian movie of the year, and beautifully photographed, "La Giusta Distanza" was greeted with enthusiasm by audiences at the Rome Cinema Festival with its story of passion and racial and social integration.

Silk (2007)

What a bore

[3/10 · 16 November 2007]

Can we really watch a movie lasting almost two hours just for its stunning cinematography and some glimpse of storytelling, or should it rather be the other way around? I think "Silk" proves that it is often impossible to adequately translate a deep, emotionally charged book into a credible and enjoyable movie. Personally, I just got terribly bored less than halfway through the movie. Yes, it is visually compelling. And yes, there are some fine moments in the acting, especially from Alfred Molina. But as a whole this leaves with quite a disappointing feeling in the viewer, the feeling that with all that money and resources and brilliant actors perhaps they could have come up with something a bit different. And a little less slow.