Pithy Reviews (11)

A small retrospective of recent more or less independent American films I didn't find time to write anything about...

Bellflower (Evan Glodell, 2011)

Set in an Apocalypse-expecting California, the movie begins as a wonderful chronicle of the beginning of a relationship. As the relationship deteriorates, so does the narrative and, in the end, it seems to me the open-end-ness might also be a symptom of the writer-director's refusal to take some decisions. Still, it's a visually impressive piece and a promising debut.

Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars

Martha Marcy May Marlene (Sean Durkin, 2011)

Led by a devastatingly good performance by Elizabeth Olsen in the (multi)titular role, MMMM is a very astute psychological study. Although the main character's story is predictable in its non-linear form, the choice of using flashbacks (as well as nightmares and possible hallucinations) makes it a far more interesting watch.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Take Shelter (Jeff Nichols, 2011)

Is he a prophet or is he just going crazy? That's the main sell-point of the movie. But could it all be an elaborate metaphor about the financial crisis. Characters talk about money, investments, costs, while the camera insists of price-tags. Nevertheless, Michael Shannon is the perfect choice to impersonate the madness of the world we live in, in all its aspects.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars