| Wholly--Ironically--Holy |
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| written by talltale |
September 11, 2005 - 8:35 PM PDT |
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3 out of 5 members found this review helpful
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Lucrecia Martel's THE HOLY GIRL, like her earlier "La Cienaga," dispenses almost entirely with exposition (or disguisers it alarmingly well) while giving viewers a remarkable, close-up look at the thoughts, feelings and actions in its characters' lives. For some, this will be off-putting; others will dive in and enjoy. Present-day Argentina--its middle-class economic, social, sexual and religious life with all the usual hypocritical baggage--is slowly drawn and quartered here.
Less anti-religious, anti-class or anti-male/female than simply anti-life as it is currently lived--and ruled--first by need and second by hypocrisy and denial, this film is a wonderful "observation" of life. Martel does not comment on her observations, but leaves that to us, post-movie. Most filmmakers would not end their work where she does (in the middle of the climax, yet!). This may make for a less satisfying experience, movie-wise. But it does leave us with the realization that-- whatever happens--this same repetitive, pointless, denying life will go on.
Reading the collection of critics' and members' reviews (on another site) that have appeared regarding this film has been a revelation: Evidently, for each individual who appreciates it, the movie means something quite different. I would say that this is the mark of a subtle, intelligent artist who, by holding up her camera/mirror, is creating what she wants--audience be damned. |
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