Review of Death and the Maiden (1994) by Compi24 — 14 Jun 2020

Considering what this movie's about, it's nearly impossible to talk about any of it without discussing the inherently problematic nature behind Roman Polanski directing it. If it were up to me, the man would've no longer been working after the year 1978.

And, in this alternative timeline, I'm almost certain Ariel Dorfman's "Death And The Maiden" would have gotten picked up and adapted into a fantastic film, regardless of who directed it. "Death And The Maiden" is a lot like James Foley's 1992 adaptation of David Mamet's "Glengarry Glen Ross," in that regard.

The direction itself? It's fine. A couple interesting little shots and camera movements here and there, but nothing too crazy. The material, though? Man, oh, man. This is just a terrific story, layered with intrigue and the slimy, cognitive-dissonance-inducing realities of the world we all inhabit.

It's hauntingly staged and executed from a narrative standpoint, featuring some truly thought-provoking musings on justice, truth and the sliding scale of the human condition. The acting is to be commended as well, with high marks going to Ben Kingsley, especially.

I was really riveted by this. I just wish the powers-that-be weren't so tone deaf in their selecting of someone to bring such an impactful story as this to the big screen.