Disobedience (2017)

Disobedience (2017)

There’s something very strong and good about this film.

But unfortunately, it’s just not a good film.

I’m amazed at the film critics who take turns saying: 

– Magnificent!

– Remarkable!!! 

– A success!

– Powerful!!!

– Rich and rewarding !!!!!

For my part, I’d say that’s just words to sell the film and put it over the top. Because I doubt it was as successful as that, although the director did win an Oscar, but that… that means so much!!!!  

The film is slow and long, but surprisingly it doesn’t bother that much for the first hour. Alas, it goes on for almost two hours. And in the middle of all this tedium, there’s one of the most explicit, even shocking, sexual scenes. A scene that will surely have been highlighted in the trailer, in order to make a certain category of people want to go and see this film. It will be one scene too many for the prudes, as well as for all the people who thought it would be an instructive film about the Jewish religion. 

But, in the end, it’s still just a banal love story. 

Once again, it’s extramarital. 

But it’s clear that the two Rachels have given their all to make this passion and tension palpable and realistic. The love between Weisz and Mcadams is quite incredible in this film. The chemistry works all too well. 

It’s a shame that the ending doesn’t save everything. 

Often, when there’s a lot of kissing and sex scenes, the film doesn’t really end well. It’s as if, by making the viewer feel uncomfortable, we’re giving them the justice they didn’t really ask for. Or as if great love stories really do always end badly.

Alessandro Nivola does well in his role as the overly nice guy, powerless in the face of what’s happening, completely faithful, even submissive, to his religion. He nevertheless tries to understand events and remain open-minded. 

This film is classed under Drama, Romanticism, whereas it should definitely be classed under Drama, LGBTQIA+, or at least in the Gays & Lesbians repertoire. 

I still had a good time, though… but the ending could have been so much better. 

Well… and the rest of the film shorter, with a better pace. 

I so much preferred “Breathe In (2013)” with Guy Pearce & Felicity Jones, which is gripping to the end and much more beautiful in my eyes.