Review of Demonlover (2002) by Casey B — 19 Aug 2004

[b]Magnificent Butcher, The (1979, Yuen Woo Ping)[/b].

A cheesy yet extremely ingratiating slice of kung fu cinema. The plot careens from scene to scene without any grasp on thematic tone, but the fights deliver in spades. While not as impressive as Yuen Woo-Ping's later efforts such as "Iron Monkey" the film still manages to be awe-inspiring.

[b] Demonlover (2003, Olivier Assayas)[/b].

Former critic turned auteur's corporate thriller is at once darkly funny and tragic. A film only a filmlover could make and enjoy. It is at once infuriating as it is admirable. Set against the illicit world of animated pornography the film works as a corporate thriller and a statement on society till the overtly preachy ending. I'd like to call it Dogville lite.

[b] Ed Wood (1994, Tim Burton)[/b].

Edward Jr. Wood, hailed worldwide as the worst director in history, is painted as a loveable protagonist with a heart of an eternal optimist. The loving film fluctuates between melancholy and humor with remarkable control. Tim Burton uses his knack for the surreal to evoke the cheesiness of Ed Wood's real work. And his direction of the actors, who are somewhere between deadpan and serious, is marvelous. Johnny Depp is kooky as usual, but Martin Landau amazes in a sad and touching performance as the aging Bela Lugosi.

[b] Perfect Blue (1997, Satoshi Kon)[/b].

An extremely dark, twisted tale that feels like an animated De Palma film. I rarely find myself a fan of anime, but this early work from Satoshi Kon is impressive. The plot concerns the exploitation of a pop star as she tries to become a respected actress. The strength of the film lies in its diabolical use of animation to showcase schizophrenia. It is the rare animated film that shows us things that can't be done via film. Worth a watch for its hitchcockian suspense, lynch-esque twist, and lurid entertainment value.

[b][i].

Special Note: If you find yourself easily disturbed, Satoshi Kon has also directed Tokyo Godfathers and the uplifting Millenium Actress. These two films are completely different in tone and appropriate for almost anyone.[/i][/b].