As a film enthusiast with over two decades of experience under my belt, I must say that “Rumours” is a delightful and daring cinematic journey that leaves no stone unturned in its exploration of political satire, human nature, and the absurdity of global diplomacy.
The film “Rumours” initiates with a witty “thank you” addressed to the heads of the G7, a political alliance comprising Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States (alongside the unspecified European Union). This is an initial jab from Canadian directors Guy Maddin, Evan Johnson, and Galen Johnson, launching into a scathing, humorous, yet perplexing critique of ineptitude and ineffectiveness. The central argument being that those with immense power worldwide, who ought to be collaborating to address pressing issues, are actually incompetent bureaucrats unable to achieve anything meaningful.
Every year around summer, the G7 summits take place with their locations rotating among member countries to avoid favoritism. In the movie Rumours, these leaders are seen in rural Germany under the guidance of Chancellor Hilda Ortmann, played by Cate Blanchett, who grins constantly, much like the Cheshire cat. French President Sylvain Broulez, portrayed by Denis Ménochet, chatters excessively to show off his supposed eloquence. UK Prime Minister Cardosa Dewindt, as played by Nikki Amuka-Bird, appears uneasy. This is due to a heated gaze from the handsome and bearded Canadian Prime Minister Maxime Laplace, played by Roy Dupuis.
With eyes sparkling like curiosity and a face reminiscent of innocence, Italian Prime Minister Rolando Ravello (Antonio Lamorte), behaves much like an affectionate puppy alongside US President Edison Wolcott (Charles Dance). The aged leader struggles to remain alert while Japanese Prime Minister Tatsuro Iwasaki (Takehiro Hira) attempts to bring up a pressing, potentially catastrophic issue. The group is led to a recent archaeological site near the picturesque estate, where they gaze upon the charred yet eerily captivating “bog body” unearthed from the mud. They’re informed that this figure was likely a tribal leader sacrificed due to his failures.
Feckless Leaders Lost in a Surreal World
As twilight sets in, the leaders of the G7 stroll towards a secluded gazebo for a clandestine working dinner. With the arrival of darkness, the subtleties of their connections and characters start to manifest. Maxime harbors feelings for Cardosa, yet she resists allowing their secret romance to persist. Hilda feels drawn to Maxime, sensing an opportunity. Sylvain chats incessantly about the importance of their task at hand, which is to compose a preliminary declaration concerning the impending crisis.
The film, aptly named “Rumours,” is challenging to classify due to its unique blend of elements. It’s a sharp satire with dark humor, intertwined with horror, thriller, and science fiction genres, all serving as a backdrop for insightful political critique. To fully appreciate this masterpiece, one needs a certain level of patience and maturity. The renowned directors Guy Maddin (“My Winnipeg”) and the Johnson brothers, who have collaborated on films like “The Green Fog” and “The Forbidden Room,” demonstrate an intellectually artistic approach in their work. This grand production, undoubtedly their most significant, does not compromise their principles. Instead, they subtly convey a message, preferring to let the audience decipher the bewilderment and fear of the G7 leaders as they stumble around clueless and terrified. The chaos depicted is a reflection of their ineffectiveness when stripped of the systems that prop them up.
In the midst of their predicament, stranded in the woods, they persistently attempt to compose a tentative declaration. The conversation in the script for ‘Rumours’ revolves around past G7 meetings and the most effective provisional statements. This jumble of words is intended to underscore the irony of drafting a statement that lacks real power. It’s merely a symbolic act, used to project unity without taking any meaningful action. Their determination to complete it amidst this seemingly catastrophic situation is both tragic and amusingly absurd.
A Brilliant Cast & Spooky Developments
The film Rumours showcases an exceptional performance by its seasoned cast, with each character interacting in a manner that underscores their unique virtues and weaknesses. For instance, Maxime’s charm intensifies when he lets his long hair down and unveils a sculpted physique, portraying a masculine image but also exhibiting kindness, compassion, and genuine empathy. These qualities are mirrored in the endearing and seemingly intellectually-challenged Antonio. Ravello nearly steals the limelight as a character with a heart of gold.
The movie Rumours is commendable for its exceptional production design and camera work. The majority of the scenes unfold within a forest enveloped by fog at night, with Maddin and the Johnson brothers skillfully employing various lighting techniques to establish an ominous atmosphere. This becomes particularly effective when the film’s haunting elements come into play. There seems to be a sense of danger lurking, which is effectively captured visually. Aspiring filmmakers would benefit from studying how these filmmakers achieved stunning results on a limited budget.
In this account, I’ll share my experience with the movie “Rumours,” which takes wild leaps into downright bizarre realms. Frankly, some viewers might find these extreme events a bit too much to handle. To put it mildly, I found myself scratching my head in disbelief during some of those WTF moments. Yet, the film’s intriguing conclusion more than compensates for its eccentricities. To be honest, the film does not disappoint in the slightest. “Rumours” is a joint production by Square Peg, Buffalo Gal Pictures, and Maze Pictures, scheduled to hit theaters on October 18th, distributed by Bleecker Street. Check out the trailer below:
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2024-10-14 23:01