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joefletchermartin
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Hex (2017)
Beautiful and Haunting for the Attentive
As other reviewers have painfully pointed out the pace of Hex is slow. Seems they've been so transfixed on this they haven't bothered to mention that's its only drawback.
During the English Civil War two soldiers from opposite sides of the conflict find themselves alone in the woods only to face off against each other. Things are not equal as one is older, and thus more experienced, but he underestimates the younger soldier's survival instinct in what leads to a cat and mouse game during which they discover they are not as alone as they thought and find themselves trapped in the woods by a witch.
The cinematography in Hex is simply beautiful taking full advantage of lush woodland scenery and an old ruins. Re-enactment props and costumes give it an authentic look, combined with the scenery, well beyond its means. The audio in this is truly masterful, from the slightest brush of tall grass to a crackle in a fire to a babble in a brook, the environment is full and crisp.
Three incredibly talented actors bring to life a story tautly stretched in tension. The director keeps the mystery going making good use of the natural surroundings, the night, and of course the unknown. Fear and suspicion rule day and night for the soldiers, not only of an unseen enemy but of an unknown trust as to whether they could turn on each other at any moment. The tension plays out as thick as the tall grass in the meadows.
This is not a story of just a moment in history, as that is its adornment, but within is an allegory pertinent in our times that certainly provides something to think about and stays with you, for those who don't shrink away from it. Slow it is, and it could have used some trimming in my opinion, but beautiful and haunting throughout is what sight, sound and an open mind will reveal.
Anderson Bench (2016)
A Twisted Black Comedy
Anderson Bench has not had a good day. At the burger joint where he works, he dresses like a dog only to be berated by his stoned boss. His wife nags him, at the top of her lungs. He tries to get rid of the refuse in his life, but it seems to keep coming back to him, or someone is flipping the switch. Then he meets her; a young, pretty, exciting woman, who's also homicidal. She will lead his life in a different direction.
This is not your typical comedy. Things you will laugh at, well you may be disgusted at yourself for laughing at them, but then that's part of the fun. In parts it's offensive, in parts it's disgusting, and in parts it's sexy.
It brims with a continual underpinning of music highlighting the tone in each scene. A liberal infusion of Ennio Morricone is a particular delight. Being an indie film it is its on original animal. Overall it's a hedonistic romp through the refuse of ones mind that may have you questioning your own sick sense of humor.