Knight of Cups

Originally published: September 12, 2015

Theatrical release posters, Broad Green Pictures

I'm digging this whole going-places-alone thing. This time: movie time! I was already out and was planning on just going home after my appointment, but I was in the area and got the urge to see what was playing. I had never heard of this movie before, but I was intrigued by the title and cast and I was right on time for it — it was meant to be! 

Let me start by saying that this movie is probably not for everyone. It's only two hours (pretty standard), but it felt really, really long. This is probably due to the fact that it's quite monotonous in general, but I'm pretty sure that was intentional. All the usual Hollywood norms fly out the window here: you are spoon-fed nothing, have to pay close attention, and definitely need to come with an open mind and zero expectations. This film is more of an experience, a simulation of sorts, than a movie. The story is not clearly defined; it is not a narrative. In fact, it's almost exactly the opposite: instead of describing a sequence of events through which characters' thoughts and emotions are mostly implied, it is an explicit description and laying-bare of said thoughts and emotions through which one pieces together a loose framework of events. I find this fascinating — it definitely made for an out-of-the-ordinary experience. You just need to be patient with it. Once you get used to the style of it, it's quite immersive. The soundtrack is beautiful: a mixture of original and classical pieces, with some 60's/70's rock sprinkled in. Apart from the three actors featured on the poster (Christian Bale, Cate Blanchett and Natalie Portman), there are other notable persons who are peripherally involved, such as Antonio Banderas and Ben Kingsley.

If you're in the mood to think about life and why we are here, then go see this movie. If not, you probably won't enjoy it. This is one where the right frame of mind is required.