Review of The Dying Gaul (2005) by John B — 01 Feb 2012

This is a very intriguing film that is very theatrical, which makes sense as it was adapted from a play. There is an interesting motif relating to Buddhism, most obviously as the Sarsgaard character and his lover both spout Buddhist revelations.

The entire movie is dictated by the notion of karma though, including the score which is highly reminiscent of John Cage, who modeled his off kilter music on Buddhist philosophy and the juxtaposition of sound and silence.

Everyone in this film is punished for their transgressions, to varying degrees. It underscores the idea of a universal loss of innocence and calls to mind the philosophy of suffering as salvation. The plot line is somewhat Shakespearean in its tragic irony, which is definitely a good thing.

I thought that the acting in some parts was questionable until I realized that these characters lack a sense of self, so they shouldn't be too convincing to the people around them anyway. I thought the allusions to the famous sculpture of the same name as the movie were tastefully done and the final shot was an appropriate ending.

I didn't feel the ending was too abrupt or unsatisfying, it suits the film. Highly recommended.