All posts by Marc Nelson

The Traitor

The Maxi Trial, which took place between 1986 and 1992 and saw the prosecution of nearly 350 members of the Cosa Nostra, remains an abiding fascination in contemporary Italian history – and, naturally enough, in Italian cinema too.

Ema

EMA is noteworthy as a study of a great, possessive and possessing performance; and as a dance movie whose dance sequences relate to the substance of the narrative. But as a study of a character, EMA joins Larraín’s gallery of films about subjects he seeks to control – and cannot.

Burning Cane

BURNING CANE is directed by Phillip Youmans, a young filmmaker who demonstrates emotional fidelity to his subjects as well as an undeniable film sense coupled with a ready and substantial cinematic style. Marc Nelson reviews.