Review of Death and the Maiden (2003) by Maxime V — 28 Sep 2008
**** There is a wise saying for beginning filmmakers; Make a low budget, one location film with few actors. Roman Polanski may not be a beginner but he obviously saw art in this terrific vengeance story.
3 actors fill a bungalow with a mystery; Is the middle of the night visitor( Kingsley) a former torturer or is he an innocent victim. Is Sigourney Weaver mad with her accusation? Her husband, the mediator.
The question that arises; What does she want from her captive? To admit that he was the torturer? It will not justify her past torture but she, like most people who have been hurt, want those who caused the pain to confess their actions and explain them as in most relationships.
The actors have a good time and express the mystery well. The viewer is thrown into suspense very cleverly with the madness of Weaver's character. Does she enjoy the torture of revenge? Is the enjoyment the same as her torturer's fond perversions.
When do we become civilized verses primitive? When are we humans and not objects? See this extraordinary film! And students of film who wish to win that finals project, study it. Victor Nunnally.
This review of Death and the Maiden (2003) was written by Maxime V on 28 Sep 2008.
Death and the Maiden has generally received very positive reviews.
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