Madmen, Delinquents and Yeast Lords...

THE MAN WHO SOLD THE WORLD

"The World is Beautiful" X screams repeatedly as he is dragged into the back of a white van to be institutionalised.

Nothing to do with the David Bowie song, this Moroccan production is based on the novel "A Weak Heart" by Fyodor Dostoevsky. In a post-war apocalyptic setting, a young man called 'X' takes the journey from pure joy to madness. Deliberately heavy in style and content, 'The Man Who Sold the World' aims to make the viewer feel as uncomfortable as the characters. Unfortunately, it merely alienates them. Throughout the film, the audience was confused and restless, and whilst many left the theatre prematurely, I stayed on in the hope that the directors would shed some light on this metaphysical drama during the Q&A session. The brotherly duo were impressive in their auteurial and experimental approach, however I still believe that they produced more of a visual poem than a narrative film; attempting to encapsulate feelings and emotions on screen, but forgetting to add story.

FRIEDENSSCHLAG- Das Jahr der Entscheidung (TO FIGHT FOR- The Year of Decision)

I really wanted to like this documentary. With the best of intentions, the documentary follows five teenage boys who spend a year at the 'Work and Box' company, where they take part in a programme designed to help break the vicious circle of crime and keep young people out of jail. Although it highlights the devotion of the social workers and the complex road the young protagonists take, stylistically, this film is contrived and sentimental. Puppeteering the audience, the way music and editing is employed to pull at the audience's heart strings is hardly subtle. Unfortunately, I spent the whole film being over-conscious and apprehensive about the camera's presence in these delicate situations. Whether it hindered or helped the process of rehabilitation for the young men is debatable... but I can't imagine how anyone would want these self-depreciating moments immortalised on screen.

GENTLEMEN BRONCOS

'Gentlemen Broncos', the latest film from Jared Hess (of 'Napoleon Dynamite' and 'Nacho Libre' fame), follows the story of Benjamin Purvis, a science fiction enthusiast and aspiring writer. When Benjamin meets his literary idol, Ronald Chevalier (Jermaine Clement) at a young writer’s camp, he is exploited, falling victim to copyright fraud.

Borrowing many of the archetypes and comedic devices from his previous films, there is little entertainment value in Hess’ new feature. In saying this, the film thankfully redeems itself every time Sam Rockwell graces the screen with his terrific interpretation of ‘Bronco’; the protagonist in young Benjamin’s novel. Science-fiction fans will probably enjoy the film's many references and sheer tastelessness. For the rest of us… stay home and watch 'Napoleon Dynamite' again instead!