[psycho d]

Man on the Train (2003). This incredible drama was European in all the right ways, but for those looking for a shoot 'em up you'd best steer clear. Man on the Train is a film of polar opposites whose lives briefly but profoundly cross paths. It is the old "greener pastures" story told in a refreshing manner. The acting was astounding, with the intimidating Jean Rochefort uncomfortably, but appropriately, matched with Johnny Hallyday. Their friendship buds from the fantasy of role switching, and the glue might be that each knows the shortcomings of the other's fantastical delusions. The story is one of tragic symbolism, and it goes out of its way in its onscreen exhibition of allegories. But instead of insulting the viewer, these demos are of such a richness that we cannot help but smile, as if their creation were of creativity bubbling out and not to be held back. The direction was subtle and helped to slowly build the story, with the seeds of banality having bloomed into a lush bond that cannot but be terminated too soon. The camera work was amazing. Its shiftiness in the opening scenes carefully reveal the traits of our darker protag. Its use of color furthers this sense, cold and harsh blue tones collide with overbearing warmth fueled by loneliness. The score was perfect in its ancillary role supporting the short-live relationship of these unlikely mates. When the denouement finally arrives, though its essence is of no surprise, its puissance remains unmatched in its perfect parallelism, leading to an end that was equally unmatched. Though not as dark as my usual fare, this was a wonderful cinematic tangent that earned my time spent. Merci.
d