Review of Upstream Color (2013) by Kkl10 A — 05 Apr 2014

Upstream colour (2013) - 7,5.

Initially puzzling, probably a challenge to guess what is the real plot without a previous preparation, I won't make it easy won't say a thing, the pleasure of this kind of work is to understand and appreciate it the way it is. There is a linear storyline alright, but things are not going to be made particularly obvious in any way. "Upstream Color" wanders close to the fields of experimental cinema, displays a very promising cinematic language still in embryonic stage. Technically convoluted, the editing and sound works seem to be mere attempts towards unrealized aesthetic goal but their direction allows to foresee what's coming in the future works of Shane Carruth. American director who reveals interesting cinematic sensibility in some divine shots and scenes of this movie. I hope Carruth keeps learning from the best and worst of his still small ouvre to keep polishing and improving his peculiar language. I highly recommend this movie to those who have a mindset for experimental or unconventional cinema, it might very well become one of the most memorable cinematic experiences of the latest times. Not necessarily my case but there's a peculiarity (to me only) in "Upstream Color" that hinders my ability to imparcially evaluate it, a little confession... to laugh: for a moment I convinced myself that I was in love for the female main character played by Amy Seimetz... or at least I felt that I nurtured feelings for her... don't ask me why (she wasn't a special personality or anything like that), I'm not sure if it was the film persuasion power (don't think so, it's not that accomplished), or if it was just a moment of weakness of mine (seems like it). Pathetic I know, but the truth is I saw this movie twice to make sure that I got it right and in both views Kris made me feel weak, very weak. A considerable amount of polishment all around should win "Upstream Color" at least a nomination for Academy Award for Best Picture and/or Original Screenplay of 2013, but this is probably a long shot.