Haneke’s evident unwillingness to give up much about himself, and Montmayeur’s apparent willingness to work with that attitude, rather limits this portrait of an artist.
This portrait of the severe Austrian film-maker is of interest for the comments by his actors, the chance to see him at work on Amour (especially the husband's nightmare sequence), Code Unknown and The White Ribbon, and his occasional guarded revelations.
A bracing study of this formidable and brilliant film-maker.
Nothing revolutionary here, but a few spellbinding behind the scenes moments.
Tracing Haneke’s career in reverse (from Amour back to debut feature Benny’s Video), it’s a far more illuminating film than recent cinematic chores such as The White Ribbon. Of course the adoring arthouse masses that Haneke seems to have cowed into submission of late will doubtless nod sagely along with the dozens of collaborators who talk about the “exactitude”, “precision” and “humanity” of his work.
General release. Check local listings for show times.
RSS feed of Cinema reviews