Friday, July 3, 2009

MOVIE REVIEW DISGRACE
Whenever John Malkovich's name is mentioned it creates a mixed reaction. There are those fascinated by his intense performances and others finding him off-putting. What can't be disputed is the passion and energy he infuses into anything he does, resulting in some memorable roles. By utilising these unique qualities, Disgrace's exploration of a man confronting his actions benefits from his typically brooding but always interesting presence. Based in Cape Town South Africa, university professor David Lurie (John Malkovich) is an empty shell of a man. Drifting through his existence with pious authority, his insular life has gained few friends. After seducing one of his students, the consequent uproar finds him failing to defend his actions. Escaping to his daughter's, Lucy (Jessica Haines) farm, he hopes to find some time for contemplation. Unfortunately his solace is shattered by a violent home invasion forcing him to face his prejudices against the backdrop of a changing landscape. Disgrace's central figure is difficult to like. Played with Malkovich's usual steely resolve, his remote demeanour hides someone ashamed of his actions and eager to grab any morsel of self-respect. That's perhaps one of the most valuable commodities one can have, with the 'disgrace' of the title referring to someone seemingly unwilling to accept personal change. Interestingly David's salvation occurs due to an event where a personal violation mirrors that of his seduction of his student. This punishment to a former aggressor unexpectedly drags him out of his stupor slowly enabling him to connect with his daughter and those around him. More than an individual parable, the story also reflects on the decade’s long tenure of South African apartheid. Steve Jacobs' direction attempts to show how the spectre of past deeds has created a generation indoctrinated to violence and using this as motive for a spate of revenge attacks. This change in the country's character imitates David's private adjustment, as both entities attempt to discard their capacity for physical and emotional violence. These elements are very well conveyed by a fine cast with fantastic cinematography capturing a raw harshness in the landscape matching those of the actors. Disgrace may sound hard going, but those willing to last the distance will be rewarded with a fine account of redemption. It certainly makes a change from the almost romanticised view of African life in films from over thirty years ago, with current cinema eager to examine the dubious legacy left behind from a government's extreme practices. Movie Review Rating 8 / 10 Movie Review by Patrick Moore If you have any comments to make about this Movie Review, then please use the comment box, titling your comments with Movie Review Disgrace Patrick Moore's Movie Review is an alternative look at current movie releases in Australia.

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