Movie Man Darian Watching All Night Long

Mandy

This film is a beautifully bizarre, dimensional and breathtaking ride that is unforgettable! Before I watched this film I knew very little about it I wanted to be surprised and I’m so glad I was because it is a very different film and one that shocked and left me stunned. This film has jaw dropping visuals from the camera work to the score it’s an amazing visual feast for the eyes driven by a powerful performance by Nicolas Cage at the centre of it. 

First off, try and don’t see the trailers before viewing this film as it really will make the experience and viewing  better. I’m not saying the trailer wrongly markets it but it could make you believe it’s a fast paced film which it is not the film is slow and it didn’t bother me because it took its time and was perfectly done with building up the tension and executing it fantastically in the final act of the film. This film isn’t your usual indie film it really is so many genres and somehow it pulls it off the film has action but it’s not an action film it also has horror and violence but it’s not a horror film and it also has fantasy elements but it’s not a fantasy. And it’s kind of genius because it injects all of those tones into the film and melds together wonderfully crating a fantastic film as a result. 

I would say this film is as evocative and visually stunning as 2001 a space Odyssey and similar to Drive with its dialogue and also similar in its expression of its story. What I mean by that is 2001 is a visual masterpiece with very little dialogue and can be interpreted in many ways that’s exactly what Mandy is and I really like that. The fact it is so multilayered in its storytelling but also original and really is a thought provoking film I appreciate films like these when done right as you don’t get many films like this anymore. 

This film is not for everyone as it could be to weird so I’d definitely say know the synopsis before going into this film and if you like visual thought provoking films like Drive then this is for you. Or if you want to see a really great Nicolas Cage performance too this film showcases him in a strong role overall Mandy left me amazed and stunned in all the best ways and is an experience worth having and one you won’t forget. 

This film takes place in 1983 and a couple is encountered by a Cult and when it ends with the murder of this mans girlfriend he will make sure they pay for what they did.

Rated R : Bloody Violence, Nudity, disturbing images and language throughout 

Nicolas Cage : Cage channels one of his strongest and most unhinged performances to date!  Cage has proven he is a magnetic actor that can turn in solid performances as he has proven in work from films like Leaving Las Vegas to Adaptation and Joe. So it was so great to see Cage channel a dramatic turn in this film but also balance out his crazy over the top emotion but never lets it take over the cap of emotion he is showcasing onscreen. In the film he plays a man who’s girlfriend is murdered  and wants to get back at the people that wronged him. He plays this everyday blue collar guy so perfectly onscreen. Nicolas brings such a truth and authenticity to the role that he sinks his teeth into with great emotional depth. In the film He can be so sensitive and soft spoken in one scene and you really believe him by his ability to make his dialogue spark and crackle. Then on the other hand he can be totally full of rage and be so off the rails crazy the next but like I mentioned earlier he has this even balance of things and never lets the one overdue the other. So as a result it is a very emotionally driven performance but at times he can be emotionally reserved as well and dose a damn good job at it. He is just so expressive in the film and for the most part of the film he is not speaking like Leonardo DiCaprio’s performance in the Revenant he was very emotive with is face and didn’t talk much and that is what Cage dose here sure he has moments of talking but for the majority of the film he’s quiet but so vocal with his emotions. You can understand how he feels just from a glare or a look and he has the gift where you can be able to know what he is feeling just by is facial expressions and he can deliver heartbreaking moments without even uttering a word and its incredible. He just gives such an emotionally anchored performance that is one of his strongest performances to date.

Panos Cosmatos : Panos has Crafted a mind blowing viewing experience! This filmmaker I am unfamiliar with and his style but after seeing what he has shown here I will for sure keep a eye on his work as he showcases amazing talent and direction on this film. Panos has written and directed a film that blew me away his ability to meld so many genres and tones into a single film and make it work is incredibly difficult but he makes it work. He also captures and creates an Environment that is compelling, original and beautifully told. He  has such a different style of direction that is so eye opening and stylish he also captures fantastic performances from the cast while keeping the audience entertained and also delivering them an experience they have never had before. He gives truly magnetic direction that is some of the most truly amazing direction that left me stunned in recent time what a marvellous job. When he uses violence theirs a reason for having it he never places it for shock value he gives solid direction showcasing great direction this filmmaker is worth keeping an eye on Amazing work.