tribeca film festival 2013
The film is certainly an entertaining and nuanced piece about loneliness and love. Unfortunately, the narrative exceeds its own limits when it tries to impose a repetitive romance on the viewer. The futile attempts to pull on his/her heartstrings by the time it comes to its bitter-sweet close instead turn into relief that the film has finally come to an end.
When conversing about the sexual exploitation of woman in male-dominated societies, the female sex is usually victimized while the male sex is relegated to the status of human rights violator. Cinematic depictions of this dynamic generally ignore the possibilities of subverting this perception and the result is a universally one-side viewpoint. Set in Israel, Johnathon Garfunkel's "Six Acts" seeks to shake up this conversation and offer a differing view in which neither sex is completely at fault for the exploitation.
Even with minimal plot spoilers, anyone can see this film's ending even before the film begins. However, the journey with its depictions of poverty and hardship as well as coming of age makes it well worth the viewer's attention. When this story of the underdog is done well, it is easily the most riveting story to experience. "The Rocket" is an exceptional film with stellar performances and tremendous filmmaking.
Lenny Abrahamson's "What Richard Did" not only portrays said "rolling in the muck," but it immerses the viewer in the heartbreaking process of seeking atonement despite being unable to act. The end result is a powerful, breathtaking film that will leave the viewer emotionally drained, but transformed.
There is certainly an audience for this aimless and rambling work, but it is probably only for those interested in Lifetime movies. Those hoping for a mature portrait of a great writer will be agitated to find the creation of her works manipulated into hokey montages while those expecting a mature representation of lesbian relationships will be appalled at is adolescent and catty portrayal. For those expecting a riveting experience filled with unique characters and drama will be bored by the repetitive cycle that the film wears out. "Reaching for the Moon" never gets off the ground and crashes disastrously from the get-go.
While the immigrant story is familiar to many viewers from other similar portrayals, it provides a refreshing angle that has not been given much attention in modern-day cinema. Unfortunately, the larger context and storyline of the film gets little dramatic attention and ultimately hinders the quality of the work.
