In a world where equal representation of disability on screen existed, CODA would feel like the corniest, most formulaic film of the year.
But we don't live in that world (yet), and the fact it feels like a breath of fresh air should be seen as a damning indictment of an ableist film culture and society.*
So, yeah, I cried like a baby watching this movie.
*I think there's a necessary discussion to be had about the intersection of CODA's…
Films directed by Joachim Trier tend to be a little underwhelming for me, and sadly this was no exception. Despite identifying (a little too much!) with Julie and finding Renate Reinsve's performance captivating, THE WORST PERSON IN THE WORLD just never resonated with me.
Each scene is a little too long; it exhausts its subject matter, or reaches its emotional climax...and then keeps going for another minute or so, usually by having characters gaze *meaningfully* at each other. I tired…
Awful in the way only bad remakes can be. There's nothing inherently wrong with the technical filmmaking on show, but the vulgar superficial warping of Park Chan-Wook's original film feels forced and unnatural where the 2003 movie is graceful in its inevitability. It also doesn't help that, while Spike Lee is no slouch cinematically, his visuals come off as sloppy when compared to Park's masterful, elegant compositions.
Other things that hurt the film include Brolin's detestable characterisation (who would want…
