"His character is not very deep, nor does he undergo any real process of growth during the story."
OK.. I guess I could say someone who states something like this should only watch movies that "move you"
and with "character arches" and "moral conclusions" and blablabla, typical "Hollywood" movie formatting.
But the truth is quite the opposite. People who think this way should in fact watch more movies that depict life without pink flowers on the frame or bloom filters for flashbacks. People who think like that, need to watch movies where characters can not be divided in black and white, good or bad, hero or villain.
The typical "hollywood" type of movie makes you think in extremes, in a corridor where no one questions your beliefs and view of the world. Everyone knows what is going for. The characteristics mentioned ("character is not very deep, process of growth during the story...") just reflect a viewer who just hopes his own mindset will be reflected on the movies he watches - instead of wanting to be questioned or challenged by it. Unfortunately that is more confortable then watching a movie that goes beyond our perspective.
"His character is not very deep" - True. Amalric stated that the real person behind the character was kind of shallow in an interview. He probably wasn't very nice either - by "social regular" standards that is. But that is what makes it more true and vivid. He wasn't a hero or a moral standard. He was very human. To me the fact they kept it more closer to the real guy was a pro instead of a con.
"..nor does he undergo any real process of growth during the story" - He wrote a book only in his head. He dictated the book by blinking. He says he lost an opportunity to make up to his wrong doings in relation to his kids and their mother. He kind of learns to live with this terrible condition (if that is ever possible). That is not growth?! That is not overcoming a challenge beyond what most people could endure?
But yes I understand.. the poor cripple doesn't understand nor he is changed by the moral consequences of the punishment or proof that God has made him go through.. There should be a redemption based conclusion. A light and a tunnel in the end. And during the final fade to white he would state that he now understands the message send to him by God.. And maybe a funeral at the end with all the characters making a speech where they would only say how amazing he was, that he was a fighter and blabla.
I'm glad Pathé picked this one up. I´m glad that there are still some directors, producers, scriptwriters, actors and crew members who don't give a s**t about the mainstream mentality and the crappy "I don't feel empathy by the main character" or "there is no conclusion" feedback from focus groups.
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