Review of Kontroll (2003) by Miles H — 29 Mar 2008
Caught this at the Teluride by the Sea film festival of 2005, and what a nice surprise it was. Three cheers to Nimrod Antal for finally utilizing the subway to its full cinematic potential. The influences here are more than a little present, but the movie is far from a referential piece.
It's a stylistically inventive but thematically classic action story with some existential foraying that actually works quite nicely. The only major problem in the film is a scene that comes around the midpoint, and chances are you'll recognize it as soon as it begins.
While the rest of the movie has this wonderful flow, the scene feels crudely forced into the movie for logistical reasons, almost gratuitous. The rest is a surreal ride that has a nice parallel to the aftermath of communism in Hungary (hence, the title).
Sandor Badar has unforgettable presence as Bulscu, the lead. He's a dude to watch for in the future. Unfortunately, it looks like Antal has sold out and is making torture porn in Hollywood these days.
I hope he breaks free.
This review of Kontroll (2003) was written by Miles H on 29 Mar 2008.
Kontroll has generally received very positive reviews.
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