Review of The Wayward Cloud (2005) by Richard S — 07 Jul 2008

This cements my appreciation of Tsai's work. Most significantly, it opened my eyes to his wonderfully deadpan sense of humor. Previously, I reacted to his films with appreciation rather than love. I got a good deal out of his carefully composed compositions of fractured characters and situations, but they were films to ponder not enjoy. Now I can see a very sly sense of humor lurking in almost every shot. It's slightly embarassing to think that it took an intentionally absurd effort to bring this to the surface, but regardless, my perspective has been remedied. I also fault never seeing his work theatrically. I expect an audience would have given his earlier work at least a chuckle.

The early Godard-esque musical sequences are an easy highlight. They show that given the motivation, Tsai is more than a one trick pony. I don't doubt he could make the funniest comedy of the year if he wanted to. Oh wait. He already did. They are wonderfully artificial- in ways that the vast majority of middling musical wish they could be.

"The Wayward Cloud" is also notable for showing just how boringly anti-erotic porn almost always is. Although some have rallied against the film's content, they're missing the point entirely. That the "final act" as the DVD menu calls it, would likely be a huge seller, speaks volumes about our society's depersonalization.

Now to revisit as much Tsai as possible!