HISTORICAL or True-Life. “The Young Karl Marx.” / “Kon-Tiki.” / “Meek’s Cutoff.” / “Séraphine.”

“The Young Karl Marx” (2017, Plex) historical drama film about Karl Marx. While in his 20s, Karl struggles to establish himself as a writer of political and sociological importance. 

       Haitian filmmaker and political activist Raoul Peck (with co-writer Pascal Bonitzer) constructed a talkative navigation of the younger life of buddies Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels and fell flat as a flatbread without butter or jam. The actors August Diehl as Karl and Stefan Konarske as Friedrich did a fine job mouthing what resulted as “The Communist Manifesto” and “Capital” for almost two hours but that'd be all. 

       Despite the presence of the usually remarkable Vicky Krieps as Jenny von Westphalen, Mr Marx's partner, I craved for dramatic tension or at least some texture and color in this discourse that stretched for almost two hours. Lacking in depth despite the obvious complexity of the premise. 🎥💻📽

“Kon-Tiki” (2012, Plex) Norwegian historical drama about the 1947 Kon-Tiki expedition. Norwegian adventurer Thor Heyerdahl suspects that the South Sea Islands were originally colonized by South Americans. Despite his fear of water and inability to swim, Thor decides to prove his theory. 

      This adventure movie was the highest-grossing film of 2012 in Norway. The film was also nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film at the 85th Academy Awards and a Golden Globe Award for Best Foreign Language Film at the 70th Golden Globe Awards.

       In an unusual technique, the film was shot simultaneously in Norwegian and English, with each scene being filmed twice, first in Norwegian and then in English. This resulted in two versions of the film to be released, one primarily for the Norwegian domestic market, the other for an international audience. I guess I saw the latter version. 

       Despite all the superlatives, however, I wasn't so enthralled by this film, although I am not saying it isn't a finely-crafted project. I simply didn't experience dramatic tension or unforgettable thrill at all. But watch it yourself. 🎥💻📽

“Meek's Cutoff” (2010, Pluto TV) Western historical survival film. Loosely based on a historical incident on the Oregon Trail in 1845, in which frontier guide Stephen Meek led a wagon train on an ill-fated journey through the Oregon High Desert along the route later known as the Meek Cutoff in the western United States.

 

       Led by Michelle Williams, the cast includes a strong backup of performers: Paul Dano, Bruce Greenwood, Zoe Kazan, Will Patton, and a fine Rod Rondeaux as The Indian.

       This movie, another Kelly Reichardt/Michelle Williams collaboration, is brooding and slow. But don't let that draw you out. The contemplative pace and dramatic restraint exude depth and force--as we are led into the grim darkness of survival terror in the early, un-navigated Western American frontier. 🎥💻📽

“Séraphine” (2008, Plex) French-Belgian film, follows the life of a middle-aged housekeeper, Séraphine Louis, who has a remarkable talent for painting.  

       Working on his and Marc Abdelnour's script, Martin Provost crafted a feature that is piercingly sad but equally warm and inspiring. Powerful in its subtlety. 

       Essentially, it is Yolande Moreau as Seraphine who lit up the screen in a restrained but deeply involved performance. This film won several major awards, including best film and best actress for Ms Moreau. 🎥👍📽