Rust and Bone (2012)

I found this movie incredibly depressing although I can not say I did not like it and I'm reluctant to criticize Marion Cotillard... Living in San Diego, CA my kids and I practically lived at SeaWorld... we loved it but most of all the trainers loved it. They were so happy and full of joy... this is where Marion completely lacked. While performing at the marine park she showed no joy, no laughter and barely smiled. She seemed defeated even before her accident which would have been fine if she didn't seem so heartbroken when she didn't think she'd be able to train again. I don't know... I came away scratching my head a little.

a splendid movie. not ,only, for acting, image or genius of director but for its force. for the art to have roots in every day reality and in ordinary life of viewer. impressive, powerful, honest at whole. salted, cruel, delicate, speech about vulnerability and need of the other as existence support, a great opportunity to remind the amazing artistic possibilities of Marion Cotillard, it is a necessary film. for understand yourself, for see a magnificent manner to use silence as the most powerful speech, for explore levels of fragility and the subtle science to be part from the other. beautiful images, superb performance. and something else. the deep roots. because it is one of rare films who becomes part of yourself.

With a nuanced fashion of storytelling, Rust and Bone is simply a contemporary masterpiece. This film is compelling story of love, broken love, redeeming love, and everlasting love; a must see for any lover of the cinema. It has surely been a while since I've experienced such a range of emotions on such a deep level. Also one heck of a rousing and resonating performing by Marion Cotillard, worthy of an Academy Award. Most notable is the way Audiard handled the direction of certain sequences including the first beach scene where Stephanie decides to swim, the part when Stephanie steps out of the vehicle during Ali's match, and the climax at the frozen lake. I must say I was stirred. I'm always watching the screen intently, carefully analyzing the way in which things are presented and more often than not I am not fully entertained or should I say inside the movie. However, the film was captivating enough that it made me feel a range of emotions. Through this film Audiard has rendered a masterful love story about the power of human will to overcome the greatest of challenges. So intense yet incredibly understated.The soundtrack is also stellar, featuring some of my favorite musicians including Bon Iver and M83. Jacques Audiard is underrated!

I just cannot get this film out of my head. It touched me so deeply and I'm still trying to figure out why. It seems to me that it's a film which is almost impossible to define. I feel unable to do it any justice because it is so much more than the sum of its parts( but don't misunderstand me, its parts are v good) It is so subtle and complex that individual viewers will take very different things from it. Whatever else it may be though, it was in my view, one of the most convincing and touching love stories I've ever seen on screen. Top notch performances. Not an easy watch by any means, but so rewarding. What I admire most is the absolute refusal to resort to sentimentality. We feel what we feel, without manipulation. The minute it finished I wanted to watch it all over again and having done so I feel I am only just getting to grips with the many levels the film works on and its message/s. Even after several viewings certain aspects of it still puzzle me, but in a good way. Highly intelligent film making.