Directed by the guy who did A Prophet, Rust and Bone is an unusual love story about a recently disabled whale trainer and a dick of a single dad. This is not for the casual movie goer and sadly it was not much for me either. What I found most impressive in this slow plotting French film was that I didn’t totally give up and root against this dick of a single dad. Abusive, uneducated, charizma free and yet I still pulled for the guy. This can be attributed to both strong directing by Audiard  and obviously a strong performance by Bullhead star Matthias Schoenaerts. I hope these two team up again. Marion Cotillard pulled off a similar feat in as I did not hate this misanthropic, booze hounding attention whore.

Things I saw in Rust and Bone that I won’t ever forget include an incredible scene Marion shared with an Orca.  Despite a large slab of protective glass between them, the two shared one of the most touching moments I’ve ever seen on screen. An exceptionally uncomfortable and bone breaking moment involving a slab of ice towards the end caused a visceral reaction as I squirmed in my seat. What will also live on in my mind to the end of my days will be the numerous unconventional sex scenes.

While I didn’t hate either of the leads, I didn’t care for them either. Years from now when/if somebody mentions Rust and Bone I’ll most likely reply: “Oh yeah, that movie with the whale and all the stump porn.”

Could Watch 3 0f 5

Anderson 01/2013

Rating Legend

Must Watch = 5 0f 5 (See it in the theater if possible/buy it or pay for rental)

Should Watch = 4 of 5 (Worth sending away for)

Could Watch = 3 of 5 (If it’s on a pay channel or streaming for free)

Should Not Watch = 2 of 5 (Only if friends or family insist)

Do Not Watch = 1 of 5 (Don’t allow friends or family make this mistake)

 

 

Posted on Saturday, January 19th, 2013 at 2:30 pm and is filed under Reviews.
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