Review of Only Lovers Left Alive (2013) by Aman A — 28 Aug 2014

Okay, I don't think I am equipped to review this movie but I'll just say a few words - Fuckin' A man. The dreamy like direction was enduring as well as engaging. It is tough to take a camera slowly and druggishly and yet make the seemingly nothingness onscreen movement seem engaging. I have no idea how Jarmusch did it, but it was spellbindingly crazy. The overhead shots was used extensively and perfectly. It was poetry in camera. Slow motion was used so silently and effectively that it seemed so natural. It left me wondering, if not now, then when? If not this, then nothing else? One of the few movies ever to boast of perfect camera work. Some one shots were just as in tune to the ballet of the movie. Coupled with some spectacular acting, this movie has become a new favorite in my small list of immediate recommendations to people. Even Make up was spot on. Just enough to bring the unnaturalness without taking the naturalness away. The lack of food, the slow painful incoming hunger and associated dehydration and the pale, cold skin of death... ooh it gives me goosebumps.

I haven't yet dwelled on the best part of the movie, the concept and story. It is not often that I compliment the story of a film. This one, depicting the loneliness of the ages and the pain of immortality, is one of those. This is an intellectual movie. With concepts of Fraust, references to Dr. Caliguri, Dr. Strangelove, set in the backdrop of parallel literary history and controversies, it strived to personify the idea of selling your soul to the devil. It took a new twist to that entire concept by introducing the fact that the act itself means becoming a vampire.

The music, foreground and background score, was pathbreaking and limit forging.

Just watch it. I cannot go on.