bubblegun-1 Reviews

Saturn in Opposition (2007)

A Revelation

[8/10 · 21 December 2008]

I was really excited to see this film because I loved Hamam and I wasn't disappointed at all. Saturn in Opposition is really about a way of life that I feel lucky enough to have. It tells the story of a group of people who exist and stick together when faced with loss, difficulty and beside differences. I've always liked to think of friendship as a type of love. And I hope Mr Ozpetek would agree with me. The visual style is somewhat impulsive, but that makes the film more alive, personal. I'd recommend Saturn in Opposition to anyone who likes films about real life, friendship, emotionality, vulnerability. It carries a distinct European sensibility that I respect very much.

The Night Buffalo (2007)

He just wants to be loved by the girl he loves

[9/10 · 1 October 2007]

Sorry, I don't agree with the previous comment. Sometimes I really miss this movie. It was probably one of the best I saw at Sundance. It's a very private film. Maybe the main character is unusual to most people, don't know. But I understand him. He wants to be loved by the girl he loves, he's driven by his feelings. That's what the night buffalo actually represents - the mark, the tattoo of our inner drive that slowly destroys us. It's desire that is not catalyzed. The characters in the movie can neither "tame" it, nor kill it. The whole brotherhood thing plays into all this as well, but I don't wanna go into it.

The nudity was a little too much and the pissing scene's weird, but it all fits with the story, the theme. Diego Luna's completely naked, relaxed (call it "openness" if you want). Yet, there's no relief from the "heat" that burns inside. Sex remains somewhere between desire and satisfaction. Probably because he doesn't look for sex, but love. I like this idea. It's an interesting twist on Freud. Maybe we are not driven by sexual, but emotional desires after all.