Yorgos Lanthimos’ Latest Bizarre Movies Are Tame Compared to His Early Films

Yorgos Lanthimos, the acclaimed Greek filmmaker, is no stranger to the world of cinema. His unique and often bizarre cinematic style has captured the attention of audiences worldwide. In this article, we delve into the intriguing world of Lanthimos’ early works, where his storytelling prowess challenged societal norms and introduced audiences to a brand of cinema like no other.

Dogtooth: A Disturbing Exploration of Isolation and Fabricated Reality

In 2009, Yorgos Lanthimos unleashed “Dogtooth” upon the world, a film that would leave an indelible mark on cinema history. The plot revolves around three siblings who are raised in complete isolation by their parents, cut off from the outside world. The result? A disturbing concoction of bizarre practices and behaviors that deviate far from societal norms.

What makes “Dogtooth” truly unsettling is its exploration of what happens when individuals are isolated from external influences and left to their own devices. The children in the film develop customs and beliefs that are nothing short of disturbing. They engage in games of pain tolerance, throw supplies and stones to an imaginary brother on the other side of a fence, and speak with eerie deadpan intonations.

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The turning point in the film comes when the elder daughter demands access to Hollywood videotapes, shattering the illusion created by her parents. The tragic consequences that follow are a stark reminder of the impact of deception and tyrannical protection.

Alps: A Mirror Image with a Dark Twist

Following the success of “Dogtooth” Yorgos Lanthimos continued to challenge cinematic conventions with “Alps” in 2011. This film takes a different approach, focusing on an organization of actors who serve as stand-ins for the recently deceased, helping grieving family members cope with their loss.

“Alps” introduces a protagonist who becomes overly attached to her role as a grief aid, blurring the boundaries between reality and fiction. While “Dogtooth” explores the fabrication of an alternate world, “Alps” flips the narrative, as the protagonist seeks to escape the real world into the fictional one she has created. The film is marked by its somber tone, dark interiors, and characters enveloped in gloominess, distinguishing it from Lanthimos’ earlier work.

The Weirdness of Lanthimos’ Films: A Comparison

When it comes to pure squeamish weirdness, “Dogtooth” undeniably takes the top spot in Yorgos Lanthimos’ filmography. It’s not just the gross-out moments or formal experimentalism that contribute to its strangeness, but also the alien practices of the characters. From deadpan speech to unsettling performances and disturbing scenes, “Dogtooth” keeps viewers on edge throughout.

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In contrast, “Alps” maintains its queasiness through tone and character dynamics rather than visually eccentric elements. While both films are thought-provoking and strange in their own right, “Dogtooth” stands out as a pinnacle of weirdness that pushed the boundaries of cinema.

The Greek Weird Wave: Lanthimos’ Cinematic Legacy

Yorgos Lanthimos’ impact on Greek cinema extends far beyond his own films. He inspired the emergence of the “Greek Weird Wave,” a movement characterized by films that explore themes of violence, trauma, alienation, and desperation. This wave of filmmaking was heavily influenced by the socio-economic challenges that gripped Greece in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis.

Notable works within this movement include “Attenberg,” directed by Lanthimos’ producer Athina Rachel-Tsangari, and “Miss Violence,” directed by Alexandros Arvanas. These films share a common thread of grappling with the complexities of modern society and the fine line between what is considered acceptable behavior and the descent into one’s own world.

In conclusion, Yorgos Lanthimos’ early works, particularly “Dogtooth” and “Alps,” serve as a testament to his ability to challenge cinematic norms and engage audiences in thought-provoking narratives. His films are not merely weird for the sake of it; they are immersive experiences that encourage viewers to explore and get lost in their intricacies, much like the unpredictability of real life itself. Lanthimos continues to be a visionary in the world of cinema, leaving audiences eagerly anticipating what bizarre and thought-provoking stories he will craft next.

Source: https://dominioncinemas.net
Category: MOVIE