birth [B]

moviemcpeake snippet: Birth is a captivatingly dull film. The premise is about a woman who is grieving for her lost husband is approached by a young boy who claims to be her husband. The film is quiet and drab. Yet, manages to still be intriguing. The film’s dialog is controlled by it’s non-verbal. The scenery is plain; the costumes are plain, the characters, who are elite socialites, are boring. But yet somehow I found my eyes gripping the screen.

Nicole Kidman gave a wonderful performance. Arguably one of the best scenes ever filmed/acted in a movie exists in Birth. While the orchestra is performing, the camera focuses in on just Kidman’s face. We watch her for what seems like minutes react only by expressions to the boy claiming to be her dead husband.

The relationship between the woman and a 10 year old boy is uncomfortable. Something seems off about each of the characters. The boy, played by Cameron Bright, was chilling and confusing. Yet everything seems perfect for each frame. At the end, you want to discuss it. You want to watch again for its subtle nuances that you know must exist. Although Birth is clearly not a film for the masses, it has a great independent feel.

recommendation: experience for the odd appeal when in the mood for a slow film.