Review of Code Blue (2011) by Jennifer V — 03 Oct 2011

A haunting, dreamlike and disturbing creation, âCode Blueâ? tells the story of Marian (brilliant Bien de Moor), a middle aged nurse who leads a quiet life of solitude. That solitude hides acts and desires that dominate Marianâ(TM)s consciousness. In her workplace she wanders the dreamlike hallways of a hospital ward for the terminally ill. When no one is watching she poisons the dying and the old in an act resembling euthanasia that also carries a sensual dimension. Off work Marian wallops in erotic frustration, her masochistic fantasies filled with scenes of extreme sexual violence and uncontrolled longing. Most of the movie is without dialog, following Marian in her private moments.

Surprisingly for a story of this type, Marian does form a surprisingly natural bond with an elderly neighbor, allowing for some ânormalâ? scenes that offer relief to the viewer. But at the same time she gets noticed by a quiet young man who senses that their desires are compatible. The two loners begin a dance of the sadist and the masochist, and this is not a dress-up or role play. They are in every situation as themselves, celebrating genuine loathing, dominance and nihilistic carnality.

The film closely resembles Michael Hanekeâ(TM)s powerful âThe Piano Teacherâ? in many ways, and I dare say it reaches the impact of that by now classic tale about otherness and the most deeply hidden aspects of sexuality. What âCode Blueâ? adds to the mix is a strongly stylized visual expression that combines Haneke with David Lynch and Lars Von Trier. The viewer can never know what is actually happening and what is imagined as the storytelling moves through the layers of Marianâ(TM)s subconscious.

In the end âCode Blueâ? feels ever so slightly aimless, but manages to communicate something truly revealing, disturbing and effective. Even in all her senselessness Marian is extremely relatable, and director Urzula Antoniak achieves a rare union of sickening and sensual in visual storytelling. This one will not be forgotten.