Filth and Wisdom (2008)

As a director Madonna's understanding of subtlety and nuance is akin to a stiff punch to the gut. She doesn't get it at all. Incomprehensible at times and pretentious in others, there isn't that much reason to watch it. I skipped some of the more arduous scenes that were hard to get through. Doing this made the movie easier to watch.The immigrant storyline which takes place in London is mildly interesting. The problem is that Madonna doesn't know how to bring her ideas and observations together in a way that makes enough sense. This lack if comprehension for the story she is trying to tell coupled with her inexperience as a director leads to on screen confusion and annoyance.

A profound idea and Madonna put together sounds like a futile attempt to mix water and oil, but, being a guy who likes both Hutz as an actor and indie film alone should all by itself be testament to my willingness to be open-minded about unusual forms of art and interpretation. So, I watched Filth And Wisdom with no preconceived notions even after reading so many bad reviews.Now that I've seen it, I'll just say that this film makes no effort to force you to think and ask questions, but simply lays out the overall message up front then just goes through the motions of showing it. There were moments of potential, but at no point did I even remotely wonder how things might turn out for each character in the end. It just didn't occur to me to care enough.In short, if you're a fan of Hutz's former roles in acting, no less Gogol Bordello, you'll probably enjoy seeing Hutz play himself in this role at most, which features a scene of Gogol Bordello performing at the end. Filth and Wisdom, however, doesn't even come close to what you might have walked away with in Everything Is Illuminated. This film is just Madonna's effort to cash in on a new spotlight that no longer shines on her, in my opinion.If you have no clue who Eugine Hutz or Gogol Bordello is and can care less, on the other hand, I advise you avoid this movie all together..... unless you're on a drug that can make almost anything interesting.Either way, don't expect much and you won't be disappointed.

Much reviled film from Madonna is playing on IFC in Theaters. Having seen the film its clear that the hatred of the film is because of who the director is rather than what the film is. Basically the story of AK and his two roommates who are trying to simply get a leg up in the world. AK, played by Eugene Hutz in what I hope is a break through performance is a deeply philosophical Russian in a rock band who gets people to pay him to abuse them. The film is narrated by him as we see what he and his friends are going through. A small scale nothing of a film, this is the sort of film that probably wouldn't have been noticed much without Madonna in the directors chair. then again there is something very much alive in the film with great characters , odd relationships and very good music that raises it up a couple of notches. Clearly Madonna knows what she's doing behind the camera. I really do like the film. Its not the be all and end all, but there is something nicely alive about the film that makes it more than the by the numbers independent films it resembles. (And yes Richard E Grant is Wonderful)

I really liked the film. I admit I almost didn't go to see it because of all the bad press, but Im happy I did. And for those who haven't seen it and consider not to based on all the criticism, you really should go and see it for yourself. I wonder what these critics were really expecting? Something a little more Hollywood? And what do you consider to be a "good" movie, if you don't seem to like this one very much? I found the movie to be very honest. The only part I wasn't so convinced of was the the blind guy, his facial expressions didn't match the character, I think he smiled too much. But other than that, where is the problem? Have any of you ever worked as a Dominatrix or known any sex workers? Or professional dancers who turned to working at a strip club to earn a living? You say "cliché" but often clichés/stereotypes exist for a reason, because actual human beings (re)act in certain ways in certain situations. I think Madonna should feel proud of her work here! It was inspiring in its way, regardless of what some might say.