![]() He pairs him with a very different patriarch in Frank Langella’s wealthy, capitalist father-in-law who obviously doesn’t approve of Ben’s freedom of expression or alternative parental views. He does actually question Ben’s motivation and his responsibilities as a parent. What’s interesting, though, is that Ross doesn’t play this entirely one sided. They prefer their off-grid, nonconformist living and struggle to adapt to society when they are finally forced to confront it. Needles to say that this is a family who reject capitalism and the consumerist construct that it has birthed. At one point they even question why they should celebrate Christmas, preferring instead to celebrate ‘Noam Chomsky Day’ where each child receives a gift on the birthday of the intellectual historian and political activist. They embrace Buddhism as a philosophy and reject any form of organised religion. Mortensen’s Ben talks with his oldest son Bo (George McKay) about whether he’s expressing Marxist or Trotskyist views and instructs his other children in the works of Dostoyevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov and Vladimir Nabokov’s Lolita. The unorthodox family live their lives by the philosophy of Plato’s The Republic and have regular discourses on dialectical materialism. There’s a political edge and intelligence to the film. It feels genuine and his affection and understanding of the characters, and their moral standpoint, shines through. ![]() It’s no surprise to hear that this is a biographical account of director Matt Ross’ own experiences. It’s as vibrant in its colourful pallet and as deep in its characterisation and commentary on achieving a meaningful existence. It shares similarities with the dysfunctional family of The Royal Tenenbaums or the cross-country, brotherly relations of The Darjeeling Limited. It’s not unlike Wes Anderson’s work in its look and its approach. I awaited its arrival with great anticipation and I can now confirm that it was absolutely worth the wait. A film that looked like it had something to say. After hearing some positive word-of-mouth, I had an underlying feeling that this was a film I would really enjoy. Last year, I came across a still from the film and the photo spoke volumes to me. It’s often said that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover but in the case of Captain Fantastic I had already done so. ![]() However, when a family tragedy strikes, Ben and his brood are forced to leave their self-sustainable home and experience the outside world which brings forth new experiences and challenges for the reclusive family. Plot: Distant from the constructs of societal pressures, Ben Cash (Viggo Mortensen) dedicates his life to teaching his six children how to become well-rounded and intelligent individuals while living in the forests of the Pacific Northwest. Admittedly, there has been the occasional delight in 2016 but none more delightful than Captain Fantastic. It’s with absolute conviction that I can say, actor turned director, Matt Ross has finally delivered a film that satisfies and resonates. Leave it then to the indie circuit to take a firm hold of the fading year and offer the best film so far. In a year vastly consisting of the superhero (take your pick), the sequel ( Independence Day: Resurgence), the reboot ( Ghostbusters) and the disappointing ( Hail, Caeser!), 2016 was beginning to have a very underwhelming vibe and a lack of originality. We have to shut up and accept it! Well… fuck that!” It’s unjust and it’s unfair but that’s just too bad. The powerful control the lives of the powerless. Starring: Viggo Mortensen, George McKay, Samantha Isler, Annalise Basso, Nicholas Hamilton, Shree Crooks, Charlie Shotwell, Frank Langella, Kathryn Hahn, Steve Zahn, Ann Dowd, Trin Miller, Elijah Stevenson, Teddy Van Ee, Erin Moriarty, Missi Pyle. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |