Brazil
3.5 OUT OF 4 STARS
There are few better sources for experimental filmmaking than a bad drug trip.
Director Marcos DeBrito constructs a straightforward plot from one character's point of view, but then allows the antagonist to flip expectation on its head. Cinematographer Romulo Errico follows in kind by altering scenes in such a way that the setting tears itself apart so cleanly that it is nearly impossible stay focused.
Such is the problem of an addict seeking a quick fix, but his dealer wants to make a creative exchange. Rather than money, he would prefer to take pictures. As the twitchy cokehead becomes disoriented from a sample appetizer, fantastic photography centers on the dealer while following the attention of the druggie, splitting the scene unexpectedly when the frame can handle no more.
Errico continues to play with boundaries until film and photograph become one. The results are visually dizzying.