I’m still processing the messages of Michael Haneke’s The White Ribbon (our review). The 2009 Palme d’Or is beautiful and compelling but there is much going on beyond a few mean pranks including family dynamics, relationships, class dynamics, ethics, morality. It’s a brooding film, one that builds tension with each passing moment to the point where the viewer expects some sort of dramatic explosion which nearly comes on a few occasions but that never feels completely satisfying and when the film ends, rather abruptly, I concluded that it was a very deliberate move on the part of a director who is not afraid to push his audience. It’s not a cliff-hanger but Haneke continues the trend (one he exercised to great success in Funny Games) of not allowing the audience the moment of catharsis we so want (and expect).
But I’m getting ahead of myself. The film is due for limited release on December 30th and Sony Pictures Classics is doing a fine job of marketing providing a new trailer which is as beautiful and haunting as its predecessor. The moment when I sit down with this for an additional viewing can’t come soon enough.
Trailer is tucked under the seat.
If you want to watch it onl1ne for free,...
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