Simon F

This movie is very long. And it’s all over the place. A strange cross between Lord of the Flies and the Admirable Crichton with a sprinkle of Das Kapital and Gilligan’s Island thrown in. A narcissistic couple of models argue about money. She’s much smarter snd richer than he. Neither are very attractive. Next they are on a luxury cruise with a bunch of rich nasties. Lots of selfies and Veuve ensue. Among them are hand grenade makers. Russian manure makers. And the Captain ( Woody Harrelson playing himself) is a psycho. Food poisoning and bad weather with such a shocking crew lead to shipwreck. But not before a vomitorial and scatologicsl climax. You won’t feel like seafood after this. It’s a Gilligan’s Island look now on. No spoilers from here. Mild amusement is insufficient for having our noses rubbed in the evils of capitalism. Essentially, it’s an over long and rather childish tirade against capitalism and men. The characters are all ridiculous caricatures. The women are better than the men. The poor people save the day. Money is bad. Skip it. Why did it win the Palme d’Or?

Patience is needed to enjoy this elegy to the forgotten people of the USA. Stark and beautiful landscapes cross rapidly with the dross of rural America. The narrative closely follows the travels of a widowed middle aged woman, Fern, who we come to see, has much more to her than we think. Fern needs to roam, for her own reasons. She encounters an array of remarkable older people, living the nomad life. For contrast a much younger man, a kindred spirit also crosses her path. Despite the promises of a conventional, safe domesticated life, with the charming man who tries to befriend her, Fern keeps moving. The end fortunately is no Hollywood happy ending. Fern has more miles to go even at the end of this mesmerising film.

A movie presenting a fantasy dystopic modern day America is not necessary. America is a dystopia. The beginning of this film is very slow and dreary with one dimensional characters I nearly walked out. There was also a childish thread of anti- capitalism and worker solidarity through the film which was never properly dealt with. Suddenly we are catapulted into a science fiction freak show, ruled by the evil guy played by Armie Hammer (totally unconvincing here). The ending leads to the hero returning to his cruddy job and the status quo seems to be held. At the last minute of the film (no spoilers) a bizarre plot twist leaves you feeling awkward and unsatisfied. This movie is like a night of amateur, left wing, stand up comedy. 4/10 from me