MOVIE REVIEW
Maldoror
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Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 2h 35m
Director(s): Fabrice du welz
Writer(s): Fabrice du Welz, Domenico La Porta
Cast: Anthony Bajon, Alba Gaïa Bellugi, Alexis Manenti, Sergi López, Laurent Lucas, David Murgia, Béatrice Dalle, Lubna Azabal, Jackie Berroyer, Mélanie Doutey, Félix Maritaud
Language: French with English subtitles
Where To Watch: showing at the 2024 Venice International Film Festival

RAVING REVIEW: In MALDOROR, we plunge into the murky depths of Belgium's criminal underworld through the eyes of Paul Chartier, a young officer brought to life by Anthony Bajon. Directed by Fabrice du Welz, the film examines the chilling echoes of crime, drawing a line through the shadows of the past into the present. As the film progresses, it delves into the tension between institutional failure and personal morality, portrayed through Chartier's dramatic shift from law enforcement to a lone crusader against injustice.

The narrative is supported by stark cinematography by Manuel Dacosse, whose lens captures the grim Belgian landscapes that serve as the backdrop to this psychological thriller. The visual tone complements Vincent Cahay’s haunting score, enveloping the audience in a cloak of suspense and heightening the emotional stakes. Each frame and note are meticulously created with precision to enhance the storytelling, presenting a cinematic experience that's both visually arresting and emotionally stirring.

To enrich the narrative of MALDOROR, the film integrates a robust supporting cast that brings diverse perspectives to the central themes of justice and morality. Characters surrounding Paul Chartier, from seasoned detectives to victims' families, add complexity and human emotion to the story. These interactions highlight the personal stakes involved and illustrate the ripple effects of crime across a community. This subplot of interconnected lives broadens the scope and deepens the film's emotional resonance, making the critique of society more tangible and poignant for the audience.

The film also tackles the theme of media influence on public perception and judicial processes. It scrutinizes how media coverage can sway public opinion and potentially impact the outcomes of high-profile cases. This underscores the challenges when media sensationalism intersects with the quest for justice, adding another layer of complexity to the narrative and prompting viewers to consider the power dynamics beyond the courtroom.

MALDOROR is geared toward audience engagement, but its greater intent is to start conversations about deeper societal issues. It echoes the need to reassess justice and moral integrity within the systems designed to uphold them.

Chartier's narrative arc in MALDOROR is a poignant exploration of the solitude and heavy burden shouldered by those who challenge systemic failings. This solitary battle against external corruption and internal conflicts crafts a narrative that’s as much about personal sacrifice as it is about questioning societal expectations. The film captivates and challenges its viewers, encouraging a reflective look at the mechanisms of justice and the often-painful quest for truth.

Through its compelling blend of story, performance, and visual and auditory scope, MALDOROR is a reflective exploration into the heart of human darkness, challenging audiences to confront uncomfortable truths about society and themselves. How far would you go to protect those that need it the most?

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[photo courtesy of WTFILMS, O’BROTHER, FRAKAS PRODUCTIONS, THE JOKERS FILMS, FRANCE 2 CINÉMA, RTBF, SHELTER PROD]

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