The horror trilogy of Ti West
With his three films, X (2022), Pearl (2022) and MaXXXine (2024)Ti West has shaken our parameters of reference and has seriously affected horror cinema, in the broadest sense of the term. Three works linked by themes and a certain narrative continuity. But still independent, with different styles that pay homage to a multitude of subgenres. In this way, X presents, in the late 70s, a small group in an isolated farm. They want to shoot a porn film, but they find themselves facing the two old owners of the place. More than a reinterpretation of Chainsaw Massacre (1974), the feature film evokes on the one hand the relationship with sexuality, on the other it raises the question of celebrity through Maxine (Mia Goth)an artist eager to become a star by any means.
Pearl returns to the origins of this story. In this same farm, at the end of the 1910s, is the future owner of the place (again played by Mia Goth). A young psychologically unstable girl, mistreated by an authoritarian mother and frustrated by a husband gone to war. Remembering Psychosis (1960)Pearl is more a psychological drama made memorable by Mia Goth’s performance.
My Goth in full power
So it finally arrives THE slasher MaXXXinein 1980s Hollywood Maxine Minx, the only survivor of the massacre Xtries to convert itself to a traditional cinema. It doesn’t take long for Ti West to shoot once again the best of her actress. Her entrance, when the enormous studio door opens in front of her, has its effect. Then, in the middle of an audition for a horror film, Mia Goth switches amazingly from one emotion to another. A change of tone in the blink of an eye and she becomes a confident woman again. Furthermore, when she comes out of the audition, she will boast in front of the other actresses. An attitude opposite to that of Pearl, devastated in her time after the failure of her career on stage.
Then, Ti West takes us back to the 80s. Give me all your love ZZ Top in the background, the year 1985 in full frame and credits that could come from a TV series of the time. Ronald Reagan announces the end of an era for America, while drugs, Satanism and a serial killer (the Night Stalker) scare the nation. In the midst of all this, Maxine Minx, in sunglasses, high heels and tight jeans, arrives at a strip club.
Always the same look and a force of attraction that only grows. It’s not so much that we want it. But for a moment we really want to be this heroine with dazzling charisma and a fiery character. This is evidenced by her vigorous reaction when a private detective (Kevin Bacon) comes to put too much pressure on her. This too is the modernity that Ti West offers such a complex and powerful characterwhich is not an easy prey for these men who would like to dominate or protect her.
From yellow on the horror of Hollywood
If Mia Goth’s game reached new heights in Pearlwith MaXXXinethe actress is in another register but remains no less fascinating. Rarely has an actress been so at ease with the role she plays. And this, despite a less “pleasant” scenario, because it is deliberately grotesque. Ti West here pays homage to the cinema of the 80s and more precisely TO yellowtakes on its old-fashioned aspect. It mixes a television romanticism and an unusual form of dream, also inherited from Brian de Palma (Double body AND Guide) the one of David Lynch (Mulholland Drive), among others.
MaXXXine unfortunately weakens in its last act. A part that is not destitute funny visual ideas (this body that reveals itself when a suitcase falls down the stairs), but which disappoints simplistic revelations – although still genre-specific –, and after an unexciting investigation at the center of the plot. The subtext remains Ti West’s representation of Hollywood. With the fate reserved for starlets, the director offers a terribly current vision of the environment. In a frightening cynicismwe see carefree actresses, always seeking glory, going to strangers’ parties. Once they are gone, they will not deserve more than a minute of silence before being replaced. And not even the posthumous glory of Elizabeth Short, known as the Black Dahlia. A well-considered way to conclude this trilogy of celebrities, between grotesque horror and sordid daydreams.
MaXXXine by Ti West, in theaters from July 31, 2024. Above is the trailer.
Source: Cine Serie
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