Starring: Aris Servetalis, Efthymis Papadimitriou, Lefteris
Matthaiou
Plot: A man lives in his car. He is 40 years old and
although he does not have a lot of free time, when he has, he chooses to spend
it with his family. He meets his wife and two children at a specified day and
time in car parking lots. His job is to locate and bring the finest honey to a
50-year old man. A new driver shows up and the man gets fired. Disappointed, he
decides to leave his car behind. The man's life changes, and he finds it absurd
that no one trusts him anymore.
My Review and Thoughts:
This is one odd duck of a film. A brilliant comedy drama that completely shines as something so far out there that’s it’s completely crafted in a unique originality that makes the viewer laugh and just giggle at its complete uniqueness. This is Wes Anderson meets Andrei Tarkovsky.
Babi Makridis directed a film that will stand the test of
time as being a modern day classic. This is his first feature film. To direct
an odd comical piece of art like this, for being his first feature length film,
it makes me smile and super happy in knowing there are new and fresh directors
making a new bold statement of film perfection. This movie is odd and strange
and creates fantastic characters that the viewer can become a part of or at
least follow along on the strange and odd journey of the Man. The characters other than Man are Black Rider, Bear, Wife, New Driver, Friend,
Boss and Skipper just giving it another odd sense and yet brilliant film making
at the same time.
This Greek film is something to remember and also watch several
times in that the viewer can fully appreciate the value and interesting
statement made. I think the value of the film is something that grows on you as
you watch it over and over again. It was an official selection at 2012’s
Sundance Film Festival and also was a part of many film festivals. I believe the
world of independent film making and festivals saw the ultimate value and uniqueness
of this film. The direction has to be something to be seen to understand. I can’t
just put into words how amazing the shots are and how the landscape is beautiful
and picture perfect as a piece of art on landscape come to life.
So what does the title stand for well here is the definition
of the letter L: An L-plate is a square plate bearing a sans-serif letter L,
for learner, which must be affixed to the front and back of a vehicle in many countries
if its driver is a learner under instruction?
Now this was co-written by the Efthymis Filippou who is
someone that already has taken Hollywood by storm in that his first written
feature film was nominated for an Academy Award 2009’s amazing Dogtooth which
garnered a nomination for Best Foreign Language Film. He writes alongside the
director Babis Makridis for L which was inspired by an original story from
George Giokas. I think what amazes me the most is this is the director’s first
feature length film. It’s so in-depth in scenery and characters that it seems
that the director is a veteran at making films. The whole concept of no names
and a simple plot yet filled with so much imagery and drama and laced with an interesting dry comedy. I feel the drama is more influenced in the story then it is dry comedy.
The main star I have to mention for he creates the character
of man and gives life to the character for the viewer. The viewer becomes his
partner or friend or a rider along his trip. Aris Servetalis is perfection in capturing
this odd character and gives life to a persona that is extraordinarily
different and comical and downright interesting and over all strange. He aces
his part and deserve accolades for his role. I felt his character and the
direction of his character along with the acting made Man a figure to remember
in cinema.
All the chemistry between the actors flow with an ease that’s amazing.
They play off each other’s actions and emotions with a clarity of brilliance.
Stunning cinematography. The shots of the land and mountains
and so on give it the beauty of reality. The music soundtrack is everything and
more. Could not have asked for a better music throughout. Loved Beethoven’s
Moonlight Sonata which might I add is one of my favorite pieces of music so it
was a fantastic treat to hear it in this film.
This is being brought out on DVD by the wonderful company that
I speak highly of. Brink Vision. Brink Vision gives to voice to independent film
and also cinema that would never see the light of day if it was for the money making racket of Hollywood. Brink Vision gives a voice of perfection to artist
and modern cinema indie gods of film making perfection. Brink Vision is a
stunning company that I praise in what they do for cinema and for the cinema
lover. I have grown really fond of them lately and I can say so far I have not
been disappointed in any of these films that they have brought out through
there distribution. They are giving an outlet from the artistry of directors,
writers and actors. L is no different. I had no idea what I was getting into
watching this film and I have to say I was floored and absolutely loved this
odd drama comedy that leaves a lasting impression on the viewer long after it’s
over.
I highly recommend this film. It’s unique, odd, and
brilliantly weaved together through comedy and drama and the exploration of an
ultimate trip.”
INFO
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