Review of 71 Fragments of a Chronology of Chance (1995) by Tor M — 15 Jul 2013
Michael Haneke is widly regarded as one of the true masters of modern film.
His films are always a challenge to the viewer and his widly celebrated works such as Amour and Cache and the works of a genius.
Before the wider acclaim Haneke made several films which challenged the narrative conventions of cinema.
This film is one of those and it is a ice cool study of a violent and random act and the lives of the people involved in that act chronicled over a period of two months.
Right from the start Haneke has us on the backfoot with clips from news events from October 1993 including the war in Bosnia , the Unrest in Africa and Michael Jacksons child abuse allegations.
These news clips continue through the film and Haneke allows them to become a Greek chorus as we buiild to the final act.
Having the film cut away at key moments during the narrative sustains interest as we follow the various people including a Romainian child living on the streets,A couple trying to adopt a little girl,A security guard and his miserable life and a young man who will brutally knit all the narratives togther .
Haneke never lets up in his desire to unsettle you and even at the films end we dont see events unfurl leaving us with more news clips before a cut to black.
Challenging viewing then,but in these days of stupid Hollywood movies which flop badly this is a real find .
This review of 71 Fragments of a Chronology of Chance (1995) was written by Tor M on 15 Jul 2013.
71 Fragments of a Chronology of Chance has generally received positive reviews.
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