By Kelsey Martyn-Farewell
pop staff
"Rage" is an artsy, dramatic and darkly comedic mockumentary set backstage at a fashion show over the course of seven days.
A young student filmmaker and online blogger, Michelangelo, has gained access to this glamorous industry and set up a slew of interviews using his camera phone with people of all levels involved in the show -- from the investor to the designer and the seamstress. Each person provides a different look into the world of fashion. Then things take a turn to the strange as first one death, then two, happens on the catwalk.
It wasn't until I was around halfway through this film, I realized the potential audience for this DVD was wider than I anticipated. At first, I assumed only those interested in the world of fashion, or those who like the mockumentary genre, would have any interest in this DVD. As the film progressed, I came to the realization of how brilliant "Rage" truly is and recognized that while it is unconventional, it also is fascinating and captivating.
I say this only to prepare potential viewers it may take some time to get acclimated to this particular style of film. While it is a small ensemble with a cast of 14 actors, they only appear one-at-a-time on screen with a simple single color background and ambient noise spilling over from the fashion show. Michelangelo does not include any of his questions or responses in his film, so each interview plays like a monologue. Even though the film featured just one person talking, I found it beautiful with the lighting, costumes and background colors choices.
As you can imagine, the casting of the film was essential and includes Steve Buscemi, Eddie Izzard, Jude Law, Judi Dench, Dianne Weist and John Leguizamo. I thought it was funny that Law (and not Izzard) played the transvestite character. I didn't even realize it was Law under the drag until the credits rolled, since he was immersed in this fabulous character.
When it comes to this kind of film you must realize every choice -- from each word spoken, costumes and background color -- was deliberate. I look forward to watching this again, not only to revel in Law's character, but to catch the nuances I may have missed the first time during the film, which becomes personal and confessional by the end.
Not surprisingly, I found many negative reviews of this film online. To the naysayers, I recommend an open mind. If you can get past the first 20 or 30 minutes waiting for something to happen, I promise it is rewarding. On top of that, the ending is not something you would expect and is open to interpretation.
The DVD for "Rage" includes some unused scenes and an interview with writer and director Sally Potter, where she discusses the challenges of making the film and enticing actors to participate on a low budget production. I admit that I haven't decided if I am going to watch the deleted scenes, which I usually ignore unless the film is overtly funny like several Jim Carrey or Steve Carell films.
For a film that may challenge what you think a movie should be, but will also entertain you and provide some interesting and quirky characters, check out "Rage" on DVD today. You can find it in your local store's new releases section.
Send your comments, questions and DVD recommendations to Kelsey at pop@normantranscript.com.
