Review of Mister John (2013) by Paul H — 18 Sep 2013

With Mister John, Christine Molloy and Joe Lawlor establish themselves as unique visionaries in modern cinema. Their unique branch of hypnotic modern noir really comes through in the film, which unusually and enigmatically thrives on its avoidance of mystery to become mysterious.

Yet the realism of the film is rendered beautiful and cinematic not only by the wonderful cinematography that really glorifies the greens and reds of the Singaporean landscape - and stand as a testimony as to why 35mm still looks best on the big screen - but also through dream sequences and the audience's subconscious perceptions of realistic actions and reactions in a traditionally cinematic way.

Much can be said about the hypnotic pace of the film, as thankfully and rewardingly it takes its time in letting its story unravel. As well as that, the film features an amazing performance by Aiden Gillen whose interpretation shows a great connection with his lead character Gerry and makes his passivity seem magnetic, hence conveying Mister John's take on masculinity as a theme and as a preconception.