A Journey Through Surrealism in 'Kinds of Kindness'
‘Kinds of Kindness’ is a collection including three connected narratives focused on such power relations as control, self-identification and escapism. One story builds from the other, yet each one starts as a completely different story and comes together thanks to R.M.F., an enigmatic man whose actions affect each of the characters.
It is existentialist, it explores the concepts of control and identity and it is both hilarious and quite dark. What is more the movie has a surrealistic feel to it, which pushes the audience to reevaluate what they know, what they see and merging such themes as cult, and the uncanny.
A very talented diverse cast that includes Willem Dafoe and Emma Stone portrayed quite interesting and multilayered characters. All the cast members enrich the movie’s plot; and emotionally weight it up in nuances.
As for Yorgos Lanthimos, he succeeded in creating a unique movie based on the interconnection of several plots. His unique manner of tracking expresses work that adds a layer of sophistication to the film.
His work sounds dramatic and rather tragic that also adds to the series of strange to the movie. It increases suspense and emphasizes key steps, improving the perception of the story’s events.
The shooting is vivid; surreal landscapes and fine details are shot in especially bright colors. Every frame contains a story that adds to the film’s other-worldly atmosphere and to Lanthimos’ aesthetic.
The visual elements of the film are perfectly in tune with the movie’s otherworldly mood and Lanthimos’ vision. The build-ups are well thought out, further to the film’s overall uneasiness and the eerie mood.
Non-digital special effects, which are brilliantly used, don’t detract from the overall movie’s otherworldly atmosphere. These create further interest in the crucial scenes to the viewers.
The multiple plot lines are smoothly edited to conform into a single narrative despite the structure of this film. Cuts enhance suspense and thematic relations.
Even though, the film is slow, which is beneficial for disclosing as many stories as possible. Some may consider it slow where others will witness the show’s meticulous examination of the characters’ psyche.
The language used is good dialogue, topical, thematic, and focuses on characters and their existential dilemmas. It makes people think about the idea of identity and choice of who they want to be.
Nonetheless, what is going on in ‘Kinds of Kindness’ is visually and conceptually engaging; however, considering the tape’s format, some viewers will most certainly be quite confused by its structure. However, there is a risk of having disconnection of sequences that go along the two interconnected stories.
’Kinds of Kindness’ is a deep and beautifully shot movie that can be rather mind-bending with stretched out narratives. Overall, it impressively enshrines itself but, in essence, it immediately speaks deeply touching universally significant work that explores the human being and his or her fate in the movie.
