Saw Dolan's "Tom's Farm Trip" tonight.
First, Dolan's talent is undeniable. I love the lovable little details in his films, and the wonderful character tension in this film. Tom, the deceased boyfriend, brother, mother, and even Sara, all of whom need each other in a complex and delicate relationship, Dolan puts them all in a game, allowing them to walk in peace and harmony at the same time. The fringes of madness, like precarious building blocks, balance in a twisted posture.
It's obvious that Dolan isn't quite that mature yet, but his endearingly clever little tricks, and his strong personality, are enough to captivate.
As for immaturity: the whole movie feels like a dash on a smooth road without a peak. Usually the film has a climax, like the point of "a man named Ove decided to die" is the memory of Ove and his wife when he was young, and the point of "La La Land" is when the two meet again in a tavern The imaginary dance. At this point, the director's emotions have accumulated to a peak and poured out. If there is a wonderful performance, it can drive the audience's emotions and arouse empathy. Sometimes it's a volcanic eruption and waterfalls flow; sometimes it's a long stream of water that comes naturally. Whether it's an explosive or a gentle talk, it's emotionally and spiritually satisfying.
But Dolan's film -- the flashpoint should be when Francis chases into the woods, hysterically begging Tom to come back to him -- doesn't show it all.
It can be easily seen that there is a lot of sexual tension in the whole film, I can see it, but to be honest, the feeling is not strong. When their lips parted, their eyes met and collided, and their skins were rubbing against each other, I saw violence and tension flowing between their breaths and breaths, but they didn't rub off the sparks of lightning that I had hoped for.
The two of them didn't give me the urge to rush up and press my head at all. Maybe I didn't take it seriously enough. After all, I lost my mind several times in the middle.
There are too many small plots that I like in this film, but the whole thing doesn't give me a sense of surprise. It's more like Dolan has beautiful bricks in his hands, but he's not skilled enough to make a perfect building. In addition, Dolan is really good-looking, and his acting skills are about to catch up with his level as a director. Several times, when Dolan was giving a eulogy, when he was suffocated, when he was high, there was a look in his eyes. Pain, provocation, infatuation or vulnerability, that really touched me. In contrast, Francis' expressiveness is weaker. Not neurotic enough, dangerous enough, charming enough. Maybe that's one of the reasons why they didn't sparkle in my eyes.
I will not comment on the specific content. I will look back and take a serious look after I have watched several other 'representatives' of Dolan.
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