The feature film is nominated for an Oscar for best international film and will be released in theaters on March 2
From Belgian director and screenwriter Lukas Dhont, it comes as no great surprise that CLOSE is in the running for the Oscar for best international film, after winning the Grand Prix at the last Cannes Film Festival. It is the second of his filmography to be presented at the awards; Not won the Palme d’Or in 2018 for Girl.
To the long, two very close friends ended their friendship. Before the moment that separates the two, the relationship is discussed through topics such as sexuality, masculinity and childhood, since they seem to be around pre-adolescence.
Siblings or couple?
What was simply “coexistent” must now be given a label. The boys Rémi and Léo live together, sleep together, eat as a family and seem inseparable – until the simple “living together” of childhood is no longer enough, and the boys have to answer whether they are brothers or a couple (which also brings other consequences of treatment such as homophobia, exclusion and enmities).
film photography
Lukas’ direction is done in silence. Each shot has his time, with a slow editing that allows us to appreciate the great actors – in particular Éden Dambrine (Léo) and Gustav De Waele (Rémi) -, as well as his photography full of personalityas there are no open shots and, yes, “close-ups”, which make us feel at ease (but also suffocated).
Artistic direction
It’s also satisfying to pay attention to Artistic direction. Through Rémi’s always reddish costumes, we come to associate color with the character, which seems to be present in scenes where it is not present, for example, in the red of the roses, walls and reflections in contrast with Léo’s white.
Rémi’s red reminds us of love, but also of the blood that accompanies it. When the reddish tone disappears, almost like a cheese with guava paste, some of the taste disappears with it.
By Antonio Carquejo
He studied Cinema at FAAP/SP, as well as being passionate about the Marvel universe
Source: Terra
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
