Even the title’s portentious. My first film back in London is the highly uneconomical (140 minutes) THE GREAT BEAUTY from Paolo Sorrentino – a study in the meaninglessness of life. Hurrah! Another study in the meaninglessness of life… except isn’t that what we’re all here for? To give life a little meaning? Actually the central character does have real heart, but it’s hidden under a trillion layers of style. So when a character weeps, we never weep with them. We’re too busy being crushed by the visual overload. Shots too symmetrical for my liking – La Dolce Vita done up like a dog’s dinner. Come back Marcello Mastroianni: all is forgiven!
I love my kangaroo ice cube maker from Toronto, though.
Notes on THE SEA 