Berlinale 2013: Day 4

The fourth day of Berlinale was filled with surprises, not always and not only positive ones. First press screening of "Gloria" by Sebastian Lelio was met with great reviews, the film was absolutely brilliant, mostly due to exceptional acting of Paulina Garcia - who later was awarded the SIlver Bear for the Best Actress of the festival. There was no doubts about it and the film was equally well made.
Later a weird new James Franco project, "Maladies" with Catherine Keener and David Strathairn. I was confused and irritated for the most part of it, although usually I am very for everything James Franco does. I just think that his innovative and creative projects are just necessary for modern, or post-modern cinema. But "Maladies" perhaps wasn't the best example of a successful experiment.

 The cast of "The Look of Love": Tamsin Egerton, director Michael Winterbottom, Steve Coogan and Anna Friel

Third film I saw that day was „Vic+Flo Saw a Bear” directed by Denis Cote. This Canadian drama about two lesbians, ex-cons was an interesting novelty, but it finished awkwardly (without a spoiler). I however enjoyed the take on pertnership, bisexualism and the way those different relations were portrayed in the film. Altogether, a decent festival piece.
The last film I saw that day was the biggest disappointment, mostly because I expected so much from it. Directed by Michael Winterbottom, "The Look of Love" with Steve Coogan, Imogen Poots and Anna Friel lacks coherence. It tells a story of Paul Raymond, an extremely rich owner of sex business in London in the 60s. His life is full of tragedy and misery but his main goal in life is to "score" and earn money. It could have been an intriguing biography, but mostly due to the lack of great acting (mostly from females) it's just mediocre. If the main roles were taken by Rachel Weisz or Kate Winslet it might have been a lot better, I think. I was bored and disgusted and didn;t want to wait until the end to see the cast come up on stage. And that tells a lot, since I'm a fan of Michael Winterbottom and every movie that comes from the UK...
Full report here.
Here's my rating:

10. "Gloria" dir. Sebastian Lelio with Paulina Garcia

Rating: ****
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11. "Maladies" dir. Carter with Fallon Goodson, James Franco, Catherine Keener, David Strathairn

Rating: **1/2
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12. "Vic+Flo Saw a Bear" dir. Denis Cote with Romane Bohringer, Pierrette Robitaille

Rating: ***1/2
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13. "The Look of Love"dir. Michael Winterbottom with Steve Coogan, Imogen Poots, Anna Friel

Rating: **
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