Legendary French film director Claire Denis continues to release thought-provoking and provocative films even into her later years. If Bastards is anything to go by then we can only hope she never stops.
Denis’s jigsaw-like sense of direction sees her piece each moment together in the same manner an artist individually constructs the intricate elements of a complicated painting. As the mood builds around shipping captain Marco (Vincent Lindon) and his personal investigation into the disappearance of his niece, Denis slowly lifts an imaginary veil, inch by inch, from the relationships that form the storyline. None of the people in this story are likeable characters – hence the title – but possess qualities that could make them redeemable if only they tried that bit harder. As these characters bond over the disappearance they each become more poisonous. The narrative can be tricky to follow as the story throws curveballs all over the place. The audience continues to guess “whodunit” with every turn of the camera angle. Questions about morality in the modern era will be raised by Claire Denis’s openness; by her insistence on not turning the camera away even throughout the sickening twists of the film’s climax.
Chiara Mastroianni, who plays the sexy vixen Raphaelle, injects the role with an oozing sexuality whilst also making apparent the characters’ depressive tendencies. Her role is not the victim but as the aggressor in a film supposedly dominated by men. Vincent Lindon continues his impressive record of playing downbeat characters that lack charisma but make up for it in sheer exhaustive anger.
This is a dark and brooding film that takes its lead from neo-noir with sickening consequences. Its slow, vice-like grip is a bi-product of the powerful and disturbing story that deals with revenge in a nightmarish way.
Extras: screen tests, with director’s commentary over them, and a trailer. Denis comments that DVD extras are difficult for her, as she doesn’t have the materials. She keeps everything simple and with minimal crew.
Mark has awarded Bastards on DVD Four Torches of Truth
{ 0 comments… add one now }