​FILMS

a strange course of events

A Strange Course of Events (Drama/Comedy): 54 out of 100: This Israeli film sure seems longer than its actual running time. There are some scenes that are so painfully slow that they will make you yawn or even send you to sleep. However, there are some redeeming features to ensure the film is still watchable.

The main problem with this film is its snail-like pace where there are many scenes where characters walk or run to reach their destinations. There's also the lingering shot which delays the flow of the narrative. The narrative itself is meandering where there are several character relationships that are never fully explored. The film is more like separate images of a family relationship, instead of a flowing narrative where everything has meaning.

The plot concerns a 40 something year old man who finally meets up with his father after not seeing him for several years. From there, the film takes on different directions and doesn't know whether it should be a drama or a comedy. It doesn't really succeed in either.

Luckily there are some scenes that will wake you up where there is actually a decent complication presented and finally make you feel engaged and the acting is actually quite good. There are some interesting ideas which needed better execution.

I would be surprised if this film received a general cinematic release. I watched this at a film festival and it's typical of some movies that are shown at these events where the director is not in a hurry to tell his/her story.

Starring Ori Pfeffer and Moni Moshonov
(99 minutes)
Parental advice: Drug Use
Additional scene during or after credits: No
http://europeanfilmawards.eu/en_en/film/1090 (Movie trailer)

(Reviewed on Monday 25th August, 2014)