Day Night, Day Night

Awarded in Directors Fortnight in Cannes this year, Day Night Day Night tells the story of a 19-year-old girl who has decided to execute a suicide bombing at Times Square. However in a traditional meaning, the film doesn’t offer a great deal of storytelling. Withholding the viewer from background information and motives, first time director Julia Loktev depicts the girl’s thorough preparation, led by disguised men in a motel room. Yet on her way to accomplish the mission, she is constantly distracted. While the first part of the film is reminiscent of Bresson’s registering works, giving each detail similar value; the second half is livelier as the handheld camera eagerly follows the protagonist down streets and into restaurants. In a truly minimalist film, where the experimental part never becomes an end in itself, lead actress Luisa Williams’ nuanced visage is a great asset. Bringing a delicate performance within restricted bounds, she ultimately manages to draw the spectator into identification with her predicament. JON ASP