Alps [DVD]

Greek screenwriter, producer and director Yorgos Lanthimos` fourth feature film which he co-wrote with screenwriter Efthimis Filippou and co-produced, premiered In competition at the 68th Venice Film Festival in 2011, was screened in the Visions section at the 36th Toronto International Film Festival in 2011, was shot on location in Greece and is a Greek production which was produced by producer Athina Rachel Tsangari. It tells the story about a ballet coach, his female student, an ambulance driver and a nurse named Anna who runs a private business which is led by one of the males.Distinctly and precisely directed by Greek filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos, this rhythmic fictional tale which is narrated from multiple viewpoints though mostly from one of the central female character`s point of view, draws a quiet and diverse portrayal of four members of a group consisting of two men and two women who has named themselves "Alps" and who offers people consolation in their grief by substituting for their loved ones who has passed away. While notable for its naturalistic and mostly interior milieu depictions, sterling production design by production designer Anna Georiadou, cinematography by cinematographer Christos Voudouris, distinct use of light, dialog within dialog and acting within acting, this character-driven story depicts an acute study of character and contains a timely and efficient score.This cinematic, situational and theatrically remarkable mystery drama which is set in Greece and where pretending to be a non-existing person and putting a shield on one`s innate human emotions takes a toll on the only person in the group who thinks outside the box, is impelled and reinforced by its cogent narrative structure, substantial character development, subtle continuity, rare characters, versatile perspectives, poignant and naturally occurring humour and ingenious acting performances by actresses Ariane Labed, Aggeliki Papoulia and actors Ares Servitales and Johnny Veksris. A sociological, minimalistic, cinematographic and invigorating character piece which underlines the hardships of being an actor or actress, the distinction between fiction and reality and which gained, among other awards, the Golden Osella for Best Screenplay Yorgos Lanthimos and Efthimis Filippou at the 68th Venice Film Festival in 2011.

I'm a big fan of this director, but this film isn't really as good as previous works. I would say to only watch this if you are already a fan and have seen his other stuff.

I tried to understand the meaning of this film. Does it denounce something? The business model is made up, so would condemning it make any socially relevant point? Is it a more general critique about modern society? I see the elements of exploitation (towards the bereaved), abuse (toward each other) and mental health (I guess that job would do that to you) that make the characters difficult to like or relate to (the only remote similarity with Bunuel). Well acted in its absurdity, but the whole exercise felt pretty sterile. The upside is that it made me appreciate even more that little gem that was Marjorie Prime.

I had already watched Lanthimos' "Dogtooth" before I purchased the "Aps." The style of the two movies is similar so if one liked the first the second doesn't disappoint. It gets four stars instead of five because the very good idea of the "Alps" is not as rigorously set to work as is that of "Dogtooth." Still, a very provocative movie with great imagery, moods and dialogues. Especially, the various settings in Athens are chosen very successfully.

I loved Dogtooth and this one is right up there with it. I cannot wait to buy Kinetta which is by the great Lanthimos also. If you want linear plot line and lots of sentimental twaddle this is not for you. If you have an open mind and more than a 30 second attention span then any film by Lanthimos is probably for you. I am reminded of Bunuel, Godard by the surreality but like great Greek tragedy there is pathos also. I am truly pleased to have found this and other great Lanthimos films. There is yet another great one by Tsangari which has some dealings with Lanthimos also. Its called Attenberg and this is my personal favourite amongst favourites. Watch them all at least twice!

Great if you are a lover of Lanthimos, not his greatest work but not a bad film.Reduced star rating due to severely damaged dvd case which was very inconvenient as the product was advertised as new.

Having watched Dogtooth and Attenburg I was expecting similar from this film. I was right. And wrong. The same singularity exists but the skewed narrative also informs it's telling, and you can't 'get' both in a single viewing. Like a good wine, or a Wes Anderson film, hopefully, it'll get better with age...

Deeply eccentric follow-up to Dogtooth. If you like your surrealism dark and oblique, this is a great film.