Thursday, September 24, 2009

I Am Not Your Friend

Hungary 2008

Nem vagyok a barátod 3.8/5 7.8/10






I AM NOT YOUR FRIEND is a film of improvisations - not only from the part of the nine amateur actors, but from the D.O.P, the director and the scriptwriters as well. The story unfolded itself instantly by the reactions and ideas of actors during the 20 days of shooting and developed into what is presented to the audience. But the story perhaps is less important than the world which opens up in front of us, a taste of Budapest in January 2008



György Pálfi's 3rd feature is far from his previous as far as directive style and story telling.
Like a Hungarian cinema verite styled Closer, I Am Not Your Friend opens with a short film
that takes place in a daycare center, where voyeuristically captured hungarian children interact with
one another is purely rewarding experience. Where conversations amongst the kids (ages 3-5 approx)
seem adult despite their frivolous content. As the feature starts we are introduced to each character
in an off kilter sense. One character is the focus and named and interacts with characters that eventually become
introduced as the focus, even though that have already appeared with dialog and intermittent character development
through relationship establishments that eventually leads to a whole cast of interconnected characters.
The characters are all sexual deviants. Some having sex with the other's spouse or husband and not even realizing it
and some realizing it and not caring. Almost all the characters are shit beings but every one of them
has a favorite song and when alone they sing that song aloud. This anecdote provides a depth to each of them.
As the film progresses and relationships crumble and/or grow, one may begin to wonder where the film is going or
what it's trying to say. But with it's hefty, realistic, subtle twist, some one fucks over the wrong girl.

The message and moral becomes very clear;
Women are strong, resourceful creatures especially when their heart is broken.

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