"The Congress" is the type of movie that only comes along every other decade. It's one of those innovative eye-openers that shows you what film really can be, an art form. Forget the mindless blockbusters that huge companies throw into cinemas because this film is on a whole new level. It passes entertainment and enters its own weird realm that delivers an experience unlike any other. You're transported to a world not so far-fetched yet one that isn't quite our present, set in the heart of the crumbling movie industry.
Our main character, a heightened version of actress Robin Wright, is being offered the last contract she will ever have. With the structure of Hollywood changing (as well as the way movies are being made) the studio plans to digitally scan and sample her, using 'Robin Wright' in any capacity they choose without her real self ever being involved. Raising the question of how much movies are really worth, or how much they will be years down the line, it isn't afraid to depict the dog-eat-dog business in a realistic fashion. That is, until the animated sequences kick in.
And there's some truly riveting scenes, one of my favorites being when she's getting scanned into the computer, with it ultimately being a breath of fresh air. However, I do want to stress that it's not for everyone. It requires you to come in with an open mind and sit back and enjoy, letting the odd world envelope you. It's also not flawless and you do have to disregard the occasional goofy moment because the story as a whole adds up to a much more serious piece of work. It's different, certainly off-beat, but the outstanding performances and original story are worth the price of admission alone.
Our main character, a heightened version of actress Robin Wright, is being offered the last contract she will ever have. With the structure of Hollywood changing (as well as the way movies are being made) the studio plans to digitally scan and sample her, using 'Robin Wright' in any capacity they choose without her real self ever being involved. Raising the question of how much movies are really worth, or how much they will be years down the line, it isn't afraid to depict the dog-eat-dog business in a realistic fashion. That is, until the animated sequences kick in.
And there's some truly riveting scenes, one of my favorites being when she's getting scanned into the computer, with it ultimately being a breath of fresh air. However, I do want to stress that it's not for everyone. It requires you to come in with an open mind and sit back and enjoy, letting the odd world envelope you. It's also not flawless and you do have to disregard the occasional goofy moment because the story as a whole adds up to a much more serious piece of work. It's different, certainly off-beat, but the outstanding performances and original story are worth the price of admission alone.