Review of Three Monkeys (2008) by X. T — 16 Mar 2009
The arthouse aesthetics and formalism of the film never transcends its overdetermined melodrama narrative. Despite the Antonioni and Tarkovsky influences, the film is rather heavily dependent on plot contrivances.
The subplot with the dead son feels tacked on and unconvincing. Also the film is so mired in its grim mood that all the performances no matter how the good the actors are all feels one note. It takes itself so seriously that by the end with all the ominous thunderings it veers into self parody.
The digital cinematography is certainly very impressive, though the look is too artificial for my tastes.
This review of Three Monkeys (2008) was written by X. T on 16 Mar 2009.
Three Monkeys has generally received positive reviews.
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