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Reviews
Drawing Restraint 9 (2005)
Amazing!
Caught this film at the Toronto Film Fest a couple days ago. Bjork was a no show however her husband - the director/actor/writer of the film, Matthew Barney was in attendance.
Barney, very shy and reserved, spoke about the origins of the Drawing Restraint films but only seemed to confuse the audience the more he spoke. He ended up explaining that in order to expand/succeed that something had to be in resistance. His final words told us that every time he didn't know what to do artistically he would always create a new Drawing Restraint film. However, he announced that Drawing Restraint 9 became more of a narrative than just images. The Toronto Film Festival Representative told us that this was the best love/romance movie that had played since the festival began earlier that week.
The film starts with someone gift-wrapping a fossil. Like most of the film it is drawn out and some may find it boring. Although, if you are patient and enjoy beautiful images(Barney) and music(Bjork) you'll be happy. We move on to the construction of a ramp that extends into the ocean. Following, we watch strange breathing pearl divers that are dressed in all white.
The Guests, Bjork and Matthew Barney, travel separate to the whaling vessel on two different smaller ships. Bjork arrives first to the vessel and is bathed in a very interesting and creative scene that includes strategically placed oranges. Matthew arrives a bit later and is shaved.
Their rituals continue as they are prepped for, I'm assuming, some type of union. They wear elaborate mammal costumes that reflect the Japanese environment they're in. Bjork has such a headpiece on that I am surprised her neck didn't break while filming.
The special effects of the film seem to blow Hollywood big budget movies out of the water. From the titles, to the Panic Room-like dolly through the kitchen through the keyhole shots, to the globs of blood that dance in the water near the end the effects are seamless and amazing. By the way for Bjork fans, the blood in the water reminded me of the Lynn Fox video for Nature is Ancient.
More for Bjork Fans. Drawing Restraint 9 is nothing like Dancer In The Dark. Shot on 35 mm, the color is magical and contrasts against many of the backgrounds within the film. Bjork speaks only a few words within the film and it sounds like her native language. And, it doesn't leave you depressed for three weeks like Dancer does.
Like I said before, the film is long and drawn out at times. But stick with it. The end is a huge pay off for anyone that enjoys a cryptic and extremely gory ending.