PIC of the Week – Midsommar
Article series by Ray Schillaci
This week we have another film that stunned and repulsed audiences like Joker, that also received praise for both auteur Ari Aster and star Florence Pugh. Audiences either loved it or hated it. Some even walked (or ran) out as they did with the Joaquin Phoenix-starrer.
Lionsgate rolls out the red carpet for Midsommar. Warning: this film is out to make you feel very uncomfortable and possibly put you through an experience you may not want to ever have again. That being said, there is no denying the power writer/director Ari Aster brings to the screen. Aster, best known for his first unnerving film, Hereditary, featuring a knock out performance by Toni Collette (robbed of an Oscar nomination), and left many feeling it was the scariest thing since The Exorcist. Now, that Aster’s second film, Midsommar, is made available to all who missed it, and have been dared to view it, I say go forth brave souls and decide for yourself if it’s worth praise or damnation.
I reviewed this tawdry little treat with baited breath back in July. After putting myself through another viewing, I’m really doubting my sanity. But, I suggested that after having seen Joker. Like that film, Midsommar has so many flashes of brilliance and excess, and comparing the two I would say that Aster the auteur went overboard while Todd Phillips walked that fine line. That’s just my feeling.
I’ve had others strongly discount that. They felt the excess was validated and makes the film stand out unlike so much pablum out there. Okay, I may agree to that. But, Aster’s extremes are exhausting. One definitely has to have a taste for that sort of thing. Mind you, it’s not like putting one’s self through a viewing of Pasolini’s Salò, or The 120 Days of Sodom on Criterion (I still have no idea why Criterion tainted their reputation) which I felt was a complete piece of sh*t and waste of time.
Aster’s film is hypnotic at times, and where some may find it completely original, it does echo the 1973 classic The Wicker Man and the 1973 novel by Thomas Tryon, Harvest Home. As I mentioned in my July review, there is no denying Aster’s visual sense from the very start, and dare I say, his star Florence Pugh gives as powerful a performance as Joaquin Phoenix did in Joker. I’ll probably be drawn and quartered for that statement for those who have not seen the film. But those who have been initiated with this film, you can’t help put be impressed with her daring in such a demanding role. It’s hard to imagine any other actress being able to pull it off with such aplomb.
Visually striking, daylight has never been so frighteningly filmed. The picture presented on this Blu highlights those daytime scenes yet captures the darkness that surrounds the compound. There is a radiant look throughout some scenes that only enhances the drug induced states. Though, throughout the picture a neutral tone seems to be predominant until the final moments when everything becomes vivid and unnerving.
The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 provides a creepy surround effect that adds to the tension of it all. Subtle effects never muddle the crystal clear dialogue which means no need for subtitles (unless you’re hard of hearing). Add to this a haunting score supplied by The Haxan Cloak and you are guaranteed an eerie evening – providing you’re willing to see it at night.
Big drawbacks: Lionsgate does not supply Aster’s 171 minute “director’s cut,” and bonuses are slim to none. All we get is 26 minutes of special features: An EPK, electronic press kit package, with an overview of the film by many of the players involved discussing location, production, characters, and Easter eggs. That’s a quick 25 minutes. Then there is a 1 minute, Bear in a Cage promo. Yeah, you won’t get it unless you’ve seen the film in its entirety.
Unfortunately, some will have to double-dip for a director’s cut if Criterion releases a version which I believe is most likely. There is also talk that Aster’s “original” cut was actually four hours long. I can’t imagine putting anyone through that. But, the 171 minute cut does have a curiosity factor. There is no alternate ending or new scenes in that cut. Just extended scenes that Aster felt strong about.
Usually, PIC of the week is a film I feel strongly about and highly recommend. Once again, I’m on the fence with this one. But, I know there are those out there that will thank me and others that will condemn me (for awhile). Either way, Aster is a force to be reckoned with and here is the chance to see why. I strongly suggest reading my previous review of this film before renting or purchasing. Warning: along with those moments of brilliance are also punch in the gut moments and occasions of stomach churning. You’ve been warned.
Lowest Price – $19.96 – Amazon and Walmart
