Anatomy Of A Fall (2o23)
With the Oscars looming, it’s crucial to acquaint ourselves with all the nominated movies and, more importantly, to promptly deliver our reviews while they’re still screening in theaters. Anatomy Of A Fall was right up my alley; I love a good murder mystery film, but this one didn’t adhere to the stereotypical PIERE type of crime, which tends to be over the top and flamboyant in its portrayal. Instead, it’s filled with drama, moral ambiguity, and a reflection of reality.
I found Anatomy Of A Fall intriguing for numerous reasons. The film is incredibly layered, and the more you watch, the more you uncover about the characters. Over time, you realize that perhaps not everything was as it seemed, and the film’s ending may be more open than initially thought. Daniel (portrayed by Milo Machado-Graner, who was an amazing actor, by the way) was at the center of this ambiguity, which influenced both the court’s and our perceptions.
His dialogue with his “protector” is particularly interesting in contrast to his courtroom testimony. He’s advised by the woman that sometimes you need to “choose what you believe.” With his mother on trial and having recently lost his father, Daniel, a young boy undoubtedly scared, is determined to do everything to secure his mother’s release. So, during the trial, where he initially was going to testify against his mother, he recalls a memory of his father that supports his mother’s innocence.
However, was this memory genuine, or did he fabricate it because he chose to believe his mother was not guilty?
The acting in this film is superb… and we all know who I’m referring to! Messi the dog! My dog is now training to break into films and vie for an award at Cannes. So, watch out, Messi; another dog is on his way, and he’s way chubbier, in the cutest way possible. But moving on… the acting in the film was remarkably raw, with no moments feeling exaggerated or overly dramatic in pursuit of an Oscar nomination.
Everything felt genuine, and the argument sequence in the middle is what really drew me into the performances.
The cinematography was also intriguing, with deviations from the clean and precise formula typical of most films. There were moments where the camera accidentally panned back or wasn’t fully focused on the characters, further enhancing the film’s sense of reality by incorporating documentary-style conventions.
Overall, this film is truly fascinating, and the script’s writing is definitely on par with the other films nominated. If you have the time, I highly recommend watching Anatomy of a Fall; it prompts a myriad of thoughts and evokes various emotions. Despite the horrific circumstances, it effectively creates an atmosphere of family and serves as a great conversation starter.
What did you think of Anatomy Of A Fall? Was she really the killer?