Annette Kellerman From Fantastic Fest 2014: HARDKOR DISCO!!
Published at: Sept. 19, 2014, 3:48 p.m. CST by Annette Kellerman
Hello everyone! I'm back again with coverage from Fantastic Fest number 10! Firs
HARDKOR DISCO
This dark, brooding film comes to us via Polish director Kryzysztof Skonieczny. Known mostly for a slew of very stylized music videos, Skonieczny aptly expands upon this technique with his first feature Hardkor Disco.
Though the story is a bit ambiguous, it is clear early on that a sinister plot by protagonist Marcin is derailed when he meets Ola, the daughter of the couple he is set to execute. After an unplanned whirlwind night on the town with Ola, Marcin unexpectedly finds himself having breakfast with his targets. As he seems to enjoy getting to know a bit more about them personally, tension builds while we question whether or not he can carry out his earlier intentions.
The film is beautifully shot, with every scene meticulously composed down to the Jim Jarmusch poster and David Lynch book casually displayed. Though these references are plain as day, the film takes on a more subtle Linklater-like quality during the breakfast scene in a zero-cutaway marathon shot where Ola's parents wax poetic about their younger years. In fact, Skonieczny employs such long, drawn out shots in many key sequences of the film which nicely serves to amp up the overall intensity that gradually builds throughout the story. The frenetic scenes of Ola and Marcin partying through the night nicely balance the more arduous scenes in a "quiet-loud-quiet" kind of way.
The somewhat washed out look of the film perfectly mirrors Marcin's contemplative and cold demeanor. Though he seems harmless enough to his marks, the audience is acutely aware that things could get ugly at any given moment.
I really liked HARDKOR DISCO. If I had any complaint, it might be that Marcin's lack of backstory deprives him of any motive. A few flashbacks hint at the reasons behind Marcin's malice, yet the rationale is never at all clear. I'm sure this is completely intentional, leaving us to realize that no argument can ever justify violence. Anyway, here I am fully pondering this film almost 24 hours later.
As with many of the films at Fantastic Fest, I wish I could tell you when you might have an opportunity to check out HARDKOR DISCO, but alas I have no clue. Definitely be on the look out though.
Cheers!
Rebecca Elliott, aka Annette Kellerman
