Guy and his sister grow up on an island. His domineering mother keeps watch over everything from the tip of a lighthouse, his eccentric father experiments in the basement laboratory. Then there are the orphans, on whose heads the adoptive parents later find puzzling wounds. Another brother and sister pair is sent to the island: the Lightball Kids, two detectives that are meant to bring light into the darkness. The brothers and sisters are all yanked into the emotional roller coaster of first love, while something cryptic comes to light in the parents' house.
16 Feb Brand Upon the Brain! (2006)
Jalapeno Water
Here’s the problem: Maddin is an impressive filmmaker. He is important and has made at least two films that are important to me.
But he is not a very interesting person. So when he applies his mastery to making a personal film – a film essentially about his dreams and demons, it turns into something of a tragedy for the opportunity misspent.
This really is a wonderful film in the way it is put together. The whole team seems be closely attuned, with a central role played by the editor. The sound effects are astonishing – and this is a silent film. The references, duly abstracted, from past masterworks are copious and respectful.
The narrative structure is suitably complex with manifold overlapping metaphors. The problem is that what we actually get directly from him is boring. Sex and mothers matter; dreams are real; nothing recedes. But we knew that better and more deeply than he shows.
Posted in 2011
Ted’s Evaluation — 2 of 3: Has some interesting elements.
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