Shadows on the Wall

Rumours

dir Guy Maddin, Evan Johnson, Galen Johnson
scr Evan Johnson
prd Liz Jarvis, Stefan Kapelari, Lars Knudsen, Philipp Kreuzer
with Cate Blanchett, Roy Dupuis, Nikki Amuka-Bird, Charles Dance, Denis Menochet, Takehiro Hira, Rolando Ravello, Alicia Vikander, Zlatko Buric, Alexa Kennedy, Ralph Berkin, Tomi Kosynus
release US 18.Oct.24,
UK 6.Dec.24
24/Canada 1h44

CANNES FILM FEST
TORONTO FILM FEST

Is it streaming?

hira, dance, blanchett, dupois and friends

Wildly inventive filmmaker Guy Madden makes his most grounded movie yet, teaming up with the Johnson brothers for this bonkers political satire. While it's packed with nutty characters and sharply pointed moments, the film remains out of reach as it meanders through its wacky plot. As a result it never quite connects with the audience, and the surreal approach seems to miss many of the most obvious targets.

At a G7 summit hosted by German Chancellor Hilda (Blanchett), world leaders gather with a singular goal: to write a statement that defines their meeting, rather than actually solving the present global crisis. Canadian Prime Minister Maxime (Dupuis) flirts with British PM Cardosa (Amuka-Bird), American President Edison (Dance) is in his own world, and French premier Sylvain (Menochet) won't stop pontificating, while Japan's Tatsuro (Hira) and Italy's Antonio (Ravello) follow the crowd. When something cataclysmic happens, they try to find their way to safety through the forest. They also continue to compose that pesky statement.

Obviously, heads of state are never left on their own, so even this premise is a joke, as is their arrogance about ruling the world. Stir in the recent discovery of Iron Age bodies buried on the grounds of this chateau, sparking crazy nighttime zombie encounters. The European Commission President (Vikander) is also lost in the woods, accompanied by a gigantic brain. Amid various incomprehensible adventures, the whole thing begins to feel like a deranged spin on A Midsummer Night's Dream.

Despite the silly tone, actors are committed to straight faces. And all are allowed to create amusing textures. Blanchett is hilarious as the self-conscious German who thinks her acting past might help her. And the reliable Menochet is terrific before Sylvain oddly loses focus. Dupuis also stands out, adding rugged sensuality as a guy women want and men want to be. All of them are strong, powerful people who still need each other to define themselves.

As the plot becomes increasingly absurd, the film begins to lose us, because elements feel satirical without bringing us into the joke. These people are as pathetic as we expect them to be, wandering around in the darkness trying to work out what's going on and what to do, all while clinging to their single meaningless task, putting inspiring words together while the world burns around them. Yes, deep inside this chaotic mess the film has important things to say. If only it were a little sharper.

themes, language, violence, sexuality 31.Oct.24

R E A D E R R E V I E W S

Still waiting for your comments ... don't be shy.