​FILMS

youth

Misspent youth: You'll be searching for the fountain of youth after ageing two hours with this acclaimed arthouse flick!

2015 review number 184:

Youth: (Drama): 48 out of 100: Pretentious, ostentatious, self-indulgent...three adjectives that readily come to mind when describing this arthouse film written and directed by Paolo Sorrentino. Throw in gratuitous nudity here and a sex scene there. Let the cast of characters reminisce about their much-vaunted past and their uncertain futures. Make sure the audience tries to stay awake during the boring conversations which masquerade as important self-reflections and life observations. Yes, critics will love this! Let's label it an arthouse film with a message so we can receive some prestigious film awards. Mainstream audiences won't be tricked in to enjoying this film!

 

Fred Ballinger (Michael Caine) is a retired orchestra conductor who is on holiday at the foot of the Swiss Alps with his daughter, Lena (Rachel Weisz), and his film director best friend, Mick Boyle (Harvey Keitel). Fred has no intention of performing again even though Queen Elizabeth II has sent an emissary to entice him to conduct in front of her at a gala concert. Mick is struggling to complete his latest film which he considers to be his swansong directorial effort. Lena's marriage to Mick's son is on the rocks as he has left her for pop star Paloma Faith (playing herself). Lena blames her father for her current struggles, claiming that he was always distant with her in the past. Jimmy Tree (Paul Dano) is an actor who is also staying at the luxury resort, researching for an upcoming role.

 

A two hour movie which seems more like three hours. Yes, this just about sums up the leisurely pacing. It doesn't help when the story is boring but at least this allows the audience to admire the beautiful scenery that is constantly on show. The acting is also superb, with excellent performances from Caine, Weisz and Keitel. There's also a scene-stealing performance from Jane Fonda who is Mick's muse, appearing in many of his films, but declining his latest film because he is well past his expiry date and influence as a director. It's just a shame that these fantastic performances are bogged down by a story which doesn't reach any great heights.  

 

The music score helps alleviate the boredom of the story, with the highlight being a concert performance which promotes the qualities of a full symphony orchestra. Opera enthusiasts will also enjoy this scene. It definitely cannot be questioned that this is a visually and aurally appealing film.

 

Youth will probably win over the arthouse crowd for exploring the meaning of life. If one can relate it to a similar-type film, then The Tree of Life by Terrence Malick is most likely its cousin. If you found that boring like I did then Youth is not for you. You have been warned!

 

Starring Michael Caine, Harvey Keitel, Rachel Weisz, Paul Dano and Jane Fonda

(118 minutes)

Parental advice: Coarse language, nudity, sex scenes, sexual references and adult themes

Additional scene during or after credits: Yes, during the credits we see an orchestra perform in a concert

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SN6mB_31uPA (Movie trailer)

 

(Reviewed on Thursday 10th December, 2015)

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