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.
Meh. Not a bad movie, but it didn't resonate with me. Philosophers have been condemning human hypocrisies for over two thousands years; and this long-winded chore of a movie didn't bring any new perspective or insight. “Furious the monkey boy” was a class act though.
Disappointed. I wanted to see this movie because I thought the square would be taken by people and experimented with. Instead we're just shown what's outside of the square, which is far less interesting to me. I can't say it's a bad movie, but I probably would have appreciated it more if there was no square to begin with.
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Comments 1 - 9 of 9
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.NoMatterWhat
the most bizarre and original film of last year. Its triumph at Cannes is well deserved.wallum313
Bizarre and awesomedevilsadvocado
I hope Terry Notary received some awards for his portrayal of Oleg the Ape-Man.ntan
"The Square is a sanctuary of trust and caring. Within it we all share equal rights and obligations."The above description of the square featured in the museum of this film takes on such a complex meaning. I loved loved loved this film.
Cynicus Rex
Meh. Not a bad movie, but it didn't resonate with me. Philosophers have been condemning human hypocrisies for over two thousands years; and this long-winded chore of a movie didn't bring any new perspective or insight. “Furious the monkey boy” was a class act though.Limbesdautomne
Confirmation of Östlund's taste for Hanekenian distant and cold provocation . Behind this...Read more in French on La Saveur des goûts amers.
Emiam
7/10(removed by mod: please post in English)
Arjofocolovi
Disappointed. I wanted to see this movie because I thought the square would be taken by people and experimented with. Instead we're just shown what's outside of the square, which is far less interesting to me. I can't say it's a bad movie, but I probably would have appreciated it more if there was no square to begin with.