DCP at Lincoln Center (world premiere; NYFF)
So I guess what Ethan Coen used to bring to the table was… taste?*
There are certainly some arresting shots. I like the staginess. I like the sound design. Very much a post-9/11, uncanny digital, etc, etc Seventh Seal. Although I would have appreciated more mud and grime à la Hard to Be a God.
McDormand and Washington really hammed it up. But if Denzel’s having a good time, so shall I. Didn’t enjoy Frances’ scenes as much, though I haven’t really liked her work since Fargo.
Note: I’m not sure this will do too well on streaming. Benefits greatly from seeing it in a theater, especially one where the narrower aspect ratio allows the image to go up to the ceiling (rather than just a hard matte to 16x9). Recalls how films used to be exhibited where it towers above you rather than just sits in front.
*I’m kidding of course (well, sort of)