Change Your Image
ChristopherAdamPotes
Reviews
Tyrant (2014)
Poverty and Opulent Wealth
I have only watched the first season and two episodes of the second season, so my review is based on this more limited portion of the series.
The vast mass of people that provide the backdrop in this series live in a world of poverty. The focus of the show, the ruling family and its close relations, live in a world of wealth accumulated through oil.
The drama that unfolds and the ensuing dilemmas that each character must face are well thought out. The most minute details are shared, along with their thoughts and feelings.
The only detraction to the series, is the wife and children of the protagonist, Barry. His wife is inept, obnoxious, and provides little value either to him or to the show. Her lines are either banal platitudes or trite complaints.
This is in contrast to his sister-in-law, Leila. Every line has an importance. Her views may be incorrect or immoral, but they add substance.
Overall, I am very much a fan of this show and give it a 9/10.
Forbrydelsens element (1984)
A Sepia-toned Nightmare
I am an ardent fan of Lars von Trier, so my review my be perhaps slightly biased. A detective returns to Europe from abroad, yet it is a wasteland -- dark, dreary, crime-ridden, and backwards. The lighting, most of all, steals the show. It sets the mood, experience, and the interactions of the characters. It leaves the viewer engrossed. The characters are well developed and the part played by Michael Elphick provides an almost haunting experience through his voice. Overall, the first half is much more captivating than the latter half. The film, if one is not full acquainted with the style of the director, can seem to be endless. As for the Europa trilogy, of this film is a part -- this would be the second best. Europa (1991) is much better in style, while Epidemic (1987) is best not to be watched at all. I would rate this as a 7/10.