Chinese Puzzle • The Next Reel

May 2, 2019

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Cédric Klapisch returned to the world of Xavier, Wendy, Isabelle and Martine with his 2013 film Chinese Puzzle in a story that takes place 10 years after the previous film. Is it a return worth taking? Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we wrap up our Spanish Apartment trilogy with Klapisch’s 2013 film.

We talk about what works and what doesn’t this go-around. We look at the nature of infidelity and ponder about why it’s so consistent in Klapisch’s films. We chat about the male gaze (again) and why some of the lesbian material in here is bothersome. We discuss the Chinatown elements of the film and why they work so nicely, even if we don’t get the relationship resolution from it that we wanted. And we look at the nature of storytelling with unlikeable characters and why that’s okay … if there are consequences for their actions.

It’s a frustrating end to the trilogy for us, but a film still enjoyable and one that makes for great conversation. So check it out then tune in to this week’s show! The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins.

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