The Square (2017)

A prestigious Stockholm museum's chief art curator finds himself in times of both professional and personal crisis as he attempts to set up a controversial new exhibit.

Siskoid

I've worked in a contemporary art gallery, and The Square, though its featured museum has a much higher profile, represents the self-importance of the culture very well. Just on that level, and as a wry satirical comedy, I was quite happy with it. But there's a lot more happening. The title's Square, a work of art creating a utopian safe space, is barely in it, but it throws the rest of the universe into contrast, a world where people are essentially shitty to one another. I.e OUR world. The protagonist at least tries to follow the Square's message, but he fumbles at best, and the film asks whether class, human nature, etc. can sincerely be overcome by a purer morality. At the same time, it is playful about the divide between art and not-art, performance and behavior, even fiction and documentary. The context in which we see something can turn the real, the mundane, the reprehensible into art, but where do we see the line, or frame? Pretty clever, but also subtly honest with its protagonist, and with itself as a piece of art. It's visually striking as well, which is a must for a film set in the world of fine art. In Swedish with a some bits in English thanks English-speaking actors like Elizabeth Moss (who is a hoot) and Dominic West.

6 years ago

NoMatterWhat

the most bizarre and original film of last year. Its triumph at Cannes is well deserved.

6 years ago

wallum313

Bizarre and awesome

6 years ago

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