Culture Chat: ‘Kinds of Kindness’ is a movie so cruel it’s funny
Jun 28, 2024
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Film critic Nicolas Rapold and FT's editor Topher Forhecz discuss Yorgos Lanthimos' new film 'Kinds of Kindness' and its dark, inaccessible weirdness. They debate if the movie is grotesque in a good or bad way, and explore the 'Lanthimos vibe'. The podcast also touches on the challenges of unconventional cinema formats and mainstream success, as well as the balance between cruelty and humor in storytelling.
'Kinds of Kindness' challenges viewers with dark themes and unconventional storytelling, blending discomfort and admiration.
'Kinds of Kindness' reflects on transactional human relationships and bleak cynicism, showcasing director's unique artistic lens.
Deep dives
Exploring the Film 'Kinds of Kindness'
The podcast delves into the new film 'Kinds of Kindness' by director Jorgos Lanthimos, known for his unique style. The movie features an ensemble cast playing different characters in three intertwined short stories. The discussion highlights the challenging and violent nature of the film, emphasizing that viewers must be comfortable with the discomfort presented. While some reviewers found it visually striking with excellent performances, others expressed discomfort with the dark themes portrayed.
Interpreting the Film's Themes and Characters
The episode delves into the interpretation of 'Kinds of Kindness,' suggesting various perspectives on the film's underlying themes. The stories in the movie are seen as illustrating transactional human relationships rather than conventional dramatic realism. There is a discussion on how the director, Jorgos Lanthimos, portrays human nature in a bleak and cynical light, questioning if his artistic lens reflects his worldview. The ironic usage of kindness in controlling situations within the film is also examined.
Reflecting on Experimental Filmmaking
The podcast panelists share reflections on experimental filmmaking inspired by 'Kinds of Kindness.' They express a desire for more cinema that breaks away from conventional formulas and embraces unconventional storytelling. The conversation touches upon the challenges and rewards of unconventional narratives in film, citing examples of other directors who have experimented with storytelling formats. There is a call for a balance between creativity and audience reception in the realm of weird and original cinema.
This week, we talk about the very disturbing new film ‘Kinds of Kindness’. It is directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, known for surreal movies such as ‘Poor Things’, ‘The Favourite’, and ‘The Lobster’. This film marks a return to dark, inaccessible weirdness for the Greek New Wave director. Is it grotesque in a bad or a good way? And do we like the ‘Lanthimos vibe’? Lilah is joined by film critic Nicolas Rapold and the FT’s Topher Forhecz to discuss.
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We love hearing from you. Lilah is on Instagram @lilahrap. We’re on X @lifeandartpod and on email at lifeandart@ft.com. We are grateful for reviews on Apple and Spotify.
– Our episode ‘Is Poor Things A Feminist Film?’ is available here or wherever you listen.
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