Review of Otto; or, Up with Dead People (2008) by Cem Ü — 23 Feb 2008

I have mixed feelings for this. It reminds me a little of Lars Von Trier, lacking his subtlety. LaBruce's politics are more trashy and in yer face, making the film not bad, but sort of superficial.

All is explained for you save one incredibly poetic shot where beauty speaks for itself. The general air brought back Derek jarman's Jubilee, but again when compared, La Bruce's imagination seems confined in some contrite cultural zone, the margins of the marginals, thus is entertaining and interesting, however not moving even though I subscribe to most of the ideas expressed therein.

But many beautiful moments do exist as well and the story flows. Interesting imagination but at times too raw. Then again this is supposedly avant-garde so it is meant to make you harbor mixed feelings:).