Mother! reviewed by Mark Kermode
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- Опубликовано: 14 сен 2017
- Mark Kermode reviews Mother! A young woman’s life with her older husband is disrupted when a mysterious couple turns up uninvited at their door.
Please tell us what you think of the film -- or Mark’s review of the film - below. We love to include your views on the show every Friday.
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I saw this movie last night.......and I don't know what else to say about it.
Same...what the hell can you say?
Same for me. Aronofsky can be a right pretentious guy sometimes but he sure knows we're to place a camera.
I want a Kermode uncut on the new Twin Peaks!
Kyle Barratt Yeah
Isn't he Jewish?
Shaun Pearson No he's quite a regular churchgoer apparently. Surprising since his favourite film is The Exorcist
What year is this? ARRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
???why does that matter his cultural background ..All that matters is that he's an excellent journalist and always gives thought provoking film reviews & has been well respected for doing so since the 80' s here in the UK .
Oh hi exclamation mark
Catháin Ó Danachair Oh hey Catháin Ó Danachair, what's up?
This movie needed more Tommy Wiseau.
I did not watch it..I did not watch it...I did naaahhht!
I loved it. I staggered out of the theater in a daze, and to be honest, felt a bit traumatized at first. So I can understand why some people don't like it. However, I think the kind of vicious anger and hostility this movie has inspired in some people is really remarkable.
The film is an intense experience. Cannot believe they had the guts to make it.
There's nothing brave about millionaires making a movie.
this movie is a luciferian's wet dream
It is amazing that it was made by a mainstream Hollywood studio. At the end I think it suffered a little bit from an excess of imagination but in general I see it as a good challenging movie.
This undoubtedly shows Aronofsky's talent as a filmmaker whilst also being very self indulgent and repulsive. Never have I been so in awe of a filmmaker and simultaneously so disgusted by one
Aha, perfectly put.
JackMShep And that my friend, is the point. He wanted you to feel that way.
starkingbiker yes, you’re right, we should not have a strong reaction to a film, because that’s not “grown up”. I apologise
The film is technically accomplished and knows how to get under your skin in effective ways, but it's also, especially towards the end, as subtle as a jackhammer.
@@JackMShep If you think Darren Aronofsky is self-indulgent, then you have probably never seen a Lars von Trier film. Trust me on this one.
This movie made me feel things I had felt when I was young, growing up in a situation I had very little control over. So it felt very uncomfortable, but evoked strong emotional responses that continued to build to almost nightmare like levels. I liked it a lot.
Yeah that's what i felt watching the film
I learnt that DIY is really hard.
Can’t help but feel overwhelming shameful after watching it.
True genius.
It's a really good film. I liked it. As melodramas go this is really good.
It's a film that is basically a nightmare. It's stunning how it held my attention. It's very good. It is most certainly not the sort of film that Hollywood would ever touch. It's lovely that someone will take a chance on this.
Not really a first date movie then..
It absolutely is. If you both love it or both hate it you're onto a winner! I'm still trying to get my head round it though and it's been two days since I saw it.
If you are a guy you might give your female companion the feeling that hooking up with a guy might bring her oppressive situations in this patriarchal world. The film could not be more feminist from my point of view. All the actions comes from the "mother´s" subjetive point of view. If you are a both female couple, on the other hand, you might have chosen the best movie possible...you know what. Not either since in general this film in Rotten tomatoes is clearly seen as "not recommended for mainstream audiences". From that point of view it might be a good choice for a movie after you have been going out for a while and she or he likes at least some art house or arty cinema. Otherwise you might get a reaction like that person leaving the cinema before the end or saying that it is the most stupid and annoying movie ever. Something similar to giving acid to a person who has never or only once smoked marijuana. In that sense preparing them for a very bad trip which they are not ready or prepared for. From a point of view of going out with a possible romantic partner that person might end up thinking you are a weirdo who enjoys doing horrible cruel things for pleasure
Simon's smug look when he shows up Mark's mistake is priceless.
they've got a weird chemistry-that makes it fun to look at.lol
love to see it
@@happierquotes7400 yh-trying to find a download with english subtitles online
The "!" is to set the tone for the film. It's not just "mother" the word. It's mother! It's angry. It's immediate. It's shouting.
The title "mother!" with its commanding tone and the adressee written in diminiutive letters is very telling. This is a film about exploitative relationships, but on many levels at once:
An artist exploiting a muse.
A celebrity cult exploiting the human need to belong.
A deity exploiting human sacrifice.
A fandom exploiting an other person's creativity.
Egotism exploiting Altruism.
Humankind exploiting Mother Nature.
Male envy exploiting female fertility.
Religious fanaticism exploiting human spirituality.
I watched this movie in the in -flight entertainment system. The moment the flight landed I had to rush to the smoking room and smoke 3 cigarettes one after another. I didn’t care about Mother Earth any more. I felt my brains would spill out. To my credit I managed to collect my bags and reach
home
This film is right up Kermode's alley. Surreal, nightmarish, and filled with religious allegories.
I saw it and was transfixed by it. So many layers to it. As Mark said it needs time and space to really get a sense of it. No one can do what aranofsky can do and I mean that as a compliment.
Boston Black you mad bro?
Boston Black did you want to have a conversation about how right you are? You didn't need to comment if thats all you wanted haha I appreciate that we have different opinions about this film tho. It's all good.
Boston Black we have different opinions clearly and that's fine. If you think it's simple I respect that. I think there's a few more layers to how the story is told, how the shots are framed, the images are used, and even the casting of the movie. I've only seen it once so i figure it'll take me time to dissect and thoughtful reflection (space) to unpack the movie. Have a good weekend m8
Boston Black Really, well there are multiple ways of interpreting it. It can be seen as a religious allegory, or as a metaphor for an abusive relationship, or as a metaphor for fame, or false idol-ship, or.... Do i need go any further. I would say it is multi layered pal.
Boston Black The director himself said this can be interpreted it a million different ways. For instance, a story that follows the woman of a man who becomes obsessed with fame that he is willing to do anything for his admirers, even giving up his family by sacrificing his child against his wife's wishes. That also ties into false idol-ship. These people come in and worship the ground this man walks on. A man they don't even know. That can also be tied into God and his followers. They worship his ideals and beliefs so much they are willing to commit acts of violent carnage for him. See, it is deeply layered.
This film stuck with me after leaving the movie theater and I need to see it again as did like it a lot, as accurately Mark says a vast part of filming this was around JL to see things from her perspective, the film has so many metaphors and it will stay with you if you decide to watch it.
I actually liked the movie. No. I think I loved it. It's an unsettling experience, for sure. But I sort of... Admire it.
Exclamation Mark Kermode
Damn it you beat me to it
I agree with everything said. It's a really messed up movie but it grows on you and sticks with you and in your mind for days and weeks.
Hopefully seeing this tonight. I'm very excited. The suuuuper divisive reviews have me intrigued.
.." Mother, you had me
but I never had you.."
Winston the imperial Walrus
Excellent review and I completely agree with the more distance from it the better it gets in your mind and the more you discover as you turn it over and over. I 'enjoyed' it at the time but thought it was unlikely I'd see it again, but two weeks on now I think I would watch it again and maybe even buy it.
When I watched this film, I had a similar feeling to the feeling I had when I watched martyrs. Bleak and brutal and jarring (maybe even a bit traumatising), but I wouldn’t say I hated it or anything. Quite hard to describe. I agree that it was impressive for achieving what it did.
Well I thought it was an allegorical tale about the hunger of some for fame and the consequences of that hunger on those who just want a quiet life, but love a creative person. The baby thing made me think about how Hello! Baby pix are a place where a child can be torn away from the mum and sold to the mob, and how everything about an artist life is geared toward the quest of recognition by strangers, commenters, who come into your life judge ignorantly all you say or do and take possession of anything not bolted to the floor....and then eventually even that (such as kinky pix from your phone hint hint). For me this is a film about fandom and oppressive admiration. Invasive curiosity. Murderous, cannibalistic creativity. The need for creation consumes all as it generates the fanatical worship by those who seek meaning , value the words of strangers over that of their kin, because they have none of their own. This movie is up there with les enfants du paradis for me, for now.
In that case it wasn't an allegory, as what you describe is literally what is portrayed in the film. An allegory is a story that has a hidden meaning.
This is the film: Javier is God, Jennifer Lawrence is Mother Earth, Ed Harris is Adam, Michelle is Eve. Their 2 sons are Cain and Abel. The canaanites return and break the sink causing the flood which is the story of Genesis. Everyone leaves after the flood. Javier finishes his poem aka the New Testament. The people flock to the teachings claiming it’s a calling. They try to frame the New Testament and argue who gets to frame it which is a parallel to Islam and the conflicts between who carries the word of God. More cultures invade, worship false idols, wars break out and then God creates his only son and it’s sacrificed by the very people he shared it with. Mother destroys her home aka revelation and God starts over again.
BIGBIRD208 beautifully put!
Nice
..... Or it's Jennifer Lawrence torture porn, from an undisciplined, over indulged, privileged voice.
Nailed it!!!
@@mja844 Christ is God or part of the “body” of God and God never wrote the old or New Testament. Man did.
Javier Bardem is god, Jennifer Lawrence is mother earth, Michelle Pfeiffer is eve. Ed thingybob is Adam (his rib is poking out when hes in the bathroom) then there 2 sons turn up, cane & Abel. That is what I got from it. It's definitely a take on the bible. Yes a fantasy film.
So it's about the bible eh. I guess that means those critics who are derisive of it, can be called bible bashers. Oh the irony of it.
It's not about the Bible. It's an environmental movie... you just got lost in the allegory.
That's a change. Ed Harris is usually God in most movies.
And all the people that get in the house depicts the seven deadly sins
Also It has different interpretations, it could be understood as a feminist movie, with the whole concept of people making decisions on her body.
Is there any intrinsic value in presenting an idea via allegory, if the process of unpacking the metaphor brings no new insight to the idea?
The film grasps at so many different themes, but did deciphering the frankly quite overt symbolism and absurdist archetypes really give viewers a deeper or at all nuanced understanding of basic christian theology, the pitfalls of organised religion, overpopulation, environmental issues, etc.?
For me, this is why the film comes off as pretentious. The themes sound big but the message is painfully simple and thinly-veiled.
It's a great, visceral, surrealistic trip. Don't overthink it, just get on the bus and enjoy the ride. This is an intense nightmarish horror flick with a great, slow-burning build-up and a very rewarding showdown spiralling faster and faster into insanity. The cinematography and editing (including sound editing) are overwhelming.
It does shed a grim, darkly satirical light on a lot of topics, though: society and artist, artist and muse, man and woman, religion and mankind, mankind and nature, and how each one exploits and mistreats the other.
"did deciphering the frankly quite overt symbolism and absurdist archetypes really give viewers a deeper or at all nuanced understanding of basic christian theology, the pitfalls of organised religion, overpopulation, environmental issues, etc.?"
Of course not. Why would you? What a strange expection. This isn't a historical documentary. You are not supposed to learn about climate change.
I see it as a good movie in general but I would not rate it as a masterpiece because I also see that movies overdependent on allegory tend to get corny and forced in order to fit that. Also I find it annoying to have to know about the christian story of Cain and Abel. Maybe he should have just focused on the mother earth and feminist point of view which can be understood by wider cultures and non christians
This is my thought too. Its an interesting idea, very atmospheric, and some of the images are still memorable 4 years later. But the allegory is so thuddingly obvious, it just doesn't have an impact. Aronofsky himself just explains the whole movie in interviews. There's no mystery here, no subtlety or ambiguity. It hammers you with a message that we all understood when we were in grade school... humans don't take care of the planet like we should.
Was about to say "what does "Mary" has to do with a Genesis story"? ...
...And then Mayo comes to the rescue.
It seems Aronofsky has realised that biblical stories are far more archetypal than literal
I completely agree. This movie was really hard to watch, but the more time passes by - the more I am intrigued by it... I see myself seeing it again in the near future...
he is telling his life, an intellectual doing everything to please his fans, even sacrificing his family life... to the point of having a film in the film (she reads his poem and has a vision of the house burned down and being regenerated).
Arronofsky should've directed the RoboCop remake as planned.
Insane film. I loved it. It's one of Aronofsky's best.
I LOVED this movie. But at the same time, I completely understood how someone might despise it.
At about 6:40 he is discussing other horror directors and me mentions what *sounds* like Riguerra del Otto? I clearly don't have it right. Does anyone know to whom he is referring?
Ruggero Deodato
If you have at the very least a basic knowledge of the bible, particularly Genesis, you should be able to work out the movie quite easily.
From what I got it was a modern adaptation of the early part of the old Testament. Jennifer Lawrence was Mary and her husband is (an unorthodox version of) God and the Doctor and his wife are Adam and Eve and the home is the Garden of Eden. The heart shaped object that God keeps in his office is the forbidden fruit (apple) and the sons who soon turn up are Cain and Abel. One kills the other one. Later, Mary falls pregnant with Jesus, who is innocently killed. God sees the world for how wretched it has become and seeks to start again, from the beginning...
I’ve read the Bible many times and even led a Bible study and I had no clue what the movie was about.
Chris McCartney that’s not in the Bible. God cares about people, not the earth. Climate change is democrat propaganda to make money. They want to pass regulations and then have their unions get big fat contracts.
Ok, so what is the yellow powder? I think I know. If you know, please frame it so I understand. Please explain.
In ten years time this film will probably be reassessed as a cinematic masterpiece. It is very much in the tradition of over-the-top late sixties and seventies psychological dramas with elements of of the supernatural and horror, like 'Repulsion', 'The Tenant', 'Psycho', Italian shockers like 'Suspiria',
'The Devils', and 'Rosemary's Baby'.
Rex Mundi I agree! Great comment. I love all those films and I too had them in mind watching this.
Rex Mundi Esp. Suspiria and Rosemary’s Baby. Also The Exorcist and The Omen.
Do NOT sing the praises of the movies of that CHILD RAPIST Roman Polanski
I think the hallmark of a good movie is if stays in your psyche and you can't stop thinking about it for days. This movie is a piece of fine art.
I saw this today and very much 'enjoyed' it. In case no one else has mentioned it, the sound mixing and editing is incredible.
It is great in every aspect.
Agree with Kermode entirely (for once!). Thought it embodied Arononononofskiiies work entirely and thought it felt entirely pure to his intentions. It may seem massively on the nose if you're at all aware of any of the theologies it so obviously draws from, but I nevertheless admired it. Was glued to the screen from start to finish and the way it breaks over you in it's final 30 minutes is EXACTLY why I pay to go to the flicks.
At 6:45, after Kermode says Lynch and Cronenberg, what is the name he mentions?
Ruggero Deodato. An Italian film director.
Brilliant review Mark. I struggled with this movie and now want to see it again. Daring, work.
The allegory is painfully unsubtle.
who says it has to be subtle though.
You'd be surprised... the person I watched it with did not get it AT ALL.
The Bible allegory isn't so obvious for people who aren't christian/haven't red the Bible.
That movie was my experience with a narcissistic girl 10/10
Can't wait to see it. Any time the undifferentiated mass is whining about "pretentiousness", it's a pretty good indicator that it's a film worth seeing.
I saw it and the audience went BANANAS. Some walked out. Contagious laughter spread throughout, followed by manic rage by a few people in reaction to the laughter. Quite a wild ride on all accounts.
I seriously don't understand people who walk out.
The same happened when we went to see Tree of Life. Crazy times.
Both films, "mother!" and "Tree of Life" are allegorical, atmospherical, cinematical, philosophical, psychological, spiritual and symbolical masterpieces in their own right.
@@treebear8364 you have to see it if you want
I just saw the movie as, with Aronofsky being the metaphorical director he is, a parable on the trials and tribulations of childbirth. The house being the womb, Jennifer Lawrence as the expectant, gleeful but wearisome mother, and everyone that enters the house being projections of the intrusions and pains that women experience during that time. But I think I've only just touched the surface. Only the director knows his own vision.
I really want to see this movie but I have read too much about it and don't think I will be able to handle it. I don't normally spoil movies for myself but I was curious to hear what all the fuss was about
Had a few walkouts and then half the screen burst out laughing at the end in Glasgow this evening. Still not a clue on how I feel about it.
So far I've prefered Aronofsky's more polarizing movies like The Fountain and Pi (never cared much for Requiem for a Wrestler). If Mother is as divisive as reviewers and viewers makes it out to be chances are I might like it.
I tend to agree and I very much loved mother !
"never cared much for Requiem for a Wrestler"
Mmm well what about White boy rick Below Fortune cookie Jackie?
The Fountian was the most expensive music video ever made.
Personally I found it boring and predictable.
Perceptive review
It could be about the way the universe repeats to infinity as well as the god and old and new testament stuff.Admirable film.
Just saw it
No idea what I watched frankly but I loved it!
Shot on Super 16, but I haven't seen any film screenings. Shame.
Couldn’t take this seriously. Laughed out loud in the cinema at the crowdsurfing baby scene and people turned around aghast at me lol
mother! is a brilliant movie I watched it not knowing anything about it. Then I learned about all the multilayered metaphors in it and watched it again. If you like a good horror movie this one is the best and it's sooooo much more. One thing I don't get is why this guy called it a dark comedy, I saw nothing funny about it. The pace, rhythm, acting, storyline, and cinematography are phenomenal.
agree totally with this review. Definitely one to think about.
If the artist has to *tell* you what their art is about, they have not done their job.
My reaction to this film was "... eh?"
The house is Earth, not mother Earth. Lawrence is mother Earth.
I do like the camerawork in that clip. It almost seems like it's stuck on her head.
PauLtus B yeah strangely its already got a name; headcam. A revelation, ironically, it is not
+adicakes
I'm not talking about the POV shots btw, but the camera aimed at her face.
Kind of like Son of Saul, but the camera does occasionally cut away to another shot, but it usually pointed from her pov.
i need to see this again, only this time ill go in prepared for a black comedy
hahah
now THAT's a review! love you Mark!
The move was awesome and can disturb a individual with OCD or social anxiety
Oh and can someone answer me these questions please ? 1. What was it that blocked the Toilet ???? And 2. Was that the last image of his memory of his family begging for help in a house Fire thats frozen in time in that Diamond ???
What's Mary have to do with Genesis?
Just watched this! My lord it was amazing!! Spun me out so bad, almost had to walk out not because it was bad but because it was so intense , life changer :)
A life changer?
I thought it was a cross between ''MISERY'' and ''The Shining'' But it felt like I was in a REALLY VIVID Nightmare. Or a VERY BAD Acid Trip. I Respect them, the Director and Cast that is at even attempting to make this Movie.
Love Pi and Black Swan so got high hopes for this! (Not very keen on The Fountain though)
I’m curious after this review.....however learning that he was responsible for Noah hasn’t done the chances of me actually watching any favours.
i thought it was great but i hate it, never felt so disgusted and damaged from a film, wouldn't recommend to anyone without thick skin, felt physically sick yet the symbolism is fantastic
For the longest time I just assumed this was based on a play.
This movie made me feel so guilty that I hated how much I loved it.
havent seen it yet, but could it have been the intention of the director to have many different subjective viewer experiences by having many objective themes laced within it? seems as though you can almost learn about oneself through this movie, but only when compared to others' experience.
True.
Not sure how anyone could laugh at this movie.
Unless of course they identify with the lunatics breaking into the home and behaving like lunatics.
I haven't laughed at serious film so much since Ultaviolet.
The film’s issues are the pacing & confusing lack of storytelling, however the film is A stylish, intriguing, well acted & well directed horror film. (70%) (3.5/5 stars) (positive)
Me watching Mother!: Hmmm Darren Aronofsky seems to have turned into Lars von Trier
Me seeing the character names in the credits for Mother!: Oh god, he HAS turned into Lars von Trier
I was wondering when someone would make the Lars Von Trier comparison ..... this film reminded me of Antichrist ! Still haven't made up my mind how I actually feel about that one yet, and it'll be the same with Mother! Will never forget either of them though for sure!!!!
Only on this messed up movie. Not in the rest of his work
I agree with your points. I had several walkouts in my theater. But the funny thing for me was they left before the crazy 3rd act even started. I guess they got board. It's definitely a slow burn at the beginning.
Loved this film!
loved this movie. Its the Bible reimagined in 2 hours. I was interviewed for telly upon leaving the theater because people were walking out scratching their heads. someone shouted over me that they wanted their money back. Ed Harris and Michelle Pfeiffer were Adam an Even. Their sons arrive and one kills the other. Even at one point when Michelle Pfeiffer shows up you see ed Harris in the bathroom with a massive wound to his torso (Adams rib?). the device / crystal in 'His' room is the apple from the tree of knowledge that gets destroyed. When there was a party and the pipes starting spraying is Noah's flood. and it quickly fast tracks to the World Wars. Then even the child being allowed to be sacrificed. Absolute genius film making. Him is God, and she is Mother Earth. so Allegory is a perfect description.
9:00 - I still haven't recovered from that 8th episode of the new Twin Peaks...
Salman Zaki Still think about it pretty much every day.
Henry G Got a light?
Wait until you see the ninth episode. It'll blow your mind.
Masterpiece.
Saw this yesterday.....very much a Marmite movie. Those that enjoy Aronofskys style and his desire to really push his audience will love it. Ohers will absolutely hate it. For me it was good, not sure it was great, but that's the point of these movies. To stir the viewers into debate.
the couple was not "uninvited" the husband invited them behind her back...
be nice if Simon could let Mark finish a point...
What happened to Mayo's face?
awesome! I admire Aronofsky so much
is glen danzig in this?
First time watching it. I hated it. It stressed me out so extremely. My heart was racing the entire time. I wanted to stop watching half way through.
And then I started listening to the explanation. And it blew my mind. I am constantly feeling sorry and angry about what we do to the earth. And I love Mother Nature so much. And to rewatch it not even 24 hours after the first time, it broke my heart. Realizing how much mother loves Him but he loves the idea of being loved and not her. To watch everything we do to the planet happen in a span of minutes. I love this film. And it will be okie if my favourites until the day I die. I will always be thinking about this film. And I WISH. I could sit down and talk to the director and just talk about all the different meanings. This film is so beautiful and hideous at the same time. And I’m so thankful this was created. So so so thankful
Yes! Not just me, then.
I think I got far too emotionally invested without first picking up on all the underlying themes & I detested it (my interpretation was mainly God/Earth, etc).
I'm not quite ready for a rewatch.
I finished watching the film a little over 2 hours ago now. And i'm glad i didn't trust my first impression.
I was actually laughing out loud at the... Scene nearish the end. When JLaw falls asleep.. Trying not to spoil the film. I was like "WOT THE F**K M8!?" this is batshitbananas!!!
BUT on reflection. Its not his best work. I think its maybe tied with Noah for me. The Wrestler is maybe my favourite.
I loved the bonkers-ness and bonkers-osity and bonkers-issitude of this thing.
Too me this felt like a horror drama . But done as proper horror . 0 jump scares . Very slow and builds in a claustrophobic way . It was sad as well . Couldn’t say I laughed .
Whatever it was I was very impressed .
Finally saw it thought "this is what the big controversy was about?"
I did find the movie intriguing, the performances great, but I just couldnt get into it emotionally. I mean, of course I sympathized with Mother herself, but the surreal nature of the film disrupted me from fully engaging with it, because I was thinking to myself "okay - what might that mean?", instead of feeling the appropriate emotions - even the scene which apparently was "crossing the line" for Lawrence felt too allegorical to make me feel any sort of emotions in either way.
Honestly, I actually didnt spot the biblical allegory being So direct, and even now the realization of how many interpretations the story might have somehow Soesnt make me think of the movie as some genius work.
Then again, Arronofskys work has always puzzled me, so I might have to revisit it, like I did Fountain...
My tickets booked. Hope it's good
Its incredible
...Finally, a review I can agree with.
I kinda hated this movie, but I want to see it again.
one of the weirdest disturbing movies I've seen in a while I loved it 🎬
Why is there still a large plaster on the side of Mayo's face? It's been there for weeks!
Intense viewing
I loved the movie anybody who gave this movie a 1 star review are either people who only care about fast n furious movies and transformers I love movies that don't hold your hand and leave you talking about days after u view it