Spotlight

Cheap, economical and yet A-grade filmmaking, which is what Hollywood is all about. Spotlight isn't about emotions, it's about facts, hence the Oscars. A great thing and the biggest drawback for the viewer, as this two-hour procedural is a bit monotonous, tiresome and impersonal in places. On the other hand, the issues it covers and the testimonials it leaves are unprecedented, almost demonic, and a clear indication that the church is first class crap. (2016-05-14)

An investigative conversation film par excellence. An ambitious and confident work that must make all Catholic priests clench their asses (sorry). But lest this be mistaken for ugly cynicism, there were two tremendously moving moments where not one of my eyes remained dry. I don't like generalizations and collective assignment of blame to any group, because almost everything is about specific people in the first place. So, although I’m a resolved atheist, I don't condemn faith or religion as a whole, but "only" their institutions. For these have failed in the first place and are only made up of people anyway. Spotlight is an extremely important film, given the seriousness of the subject matter, and it's terribly good that it was made. "Don't thank me, just get these assholes, will ya?" (2017-12-21)

An incredible surprise in how the film is shot with great acting performances. The actors don't unnecessarily draw attention to themselves but act in a way that highlights an incredibly strong theme, showing the corruption of society, primarily American, and its integration of faith into life. But this can be applied to other topics as well. If any film deserves an Oscar, it's Spotlight. (2016-02-08)

It is not without reason that is cinema called the factory of dreams. We expect from it a spectacle, action, excitement, tension, and a trip to a place where an ordinary mortal will never, or even want to, reach. Spotlight goes against all these trends and offers unexpectedly civil acting, investigation devoid of all the usual thriller clichés, and shows journalism as it probably actually takes place. i.e., as a tedious gathering of facts, persuading for interviews, and simply routine work. Essentially any profession that you strip of its cinematic glamour suddenly looks terribly ordinary. Detectives don't run around on rooftops and neutralize villains, and spies don't eliminate enemies by the dozen. Spotlight represents that significantly smaller face of American cinema, which studios usually send to film festivals. And in the case of Spotlight, those festival laurels are well-deserved. I do wonder how the audience's support would turn out if it were not such a scandalous case, but oh well. These journalists don't stand against the machinery of a powerful corporation or a corrupt politician who sends deadly squads against them, but even so, strong emotions are felt. Spotlight offers a display of great acting talents, but this time the stars subdued their egos and didn't showcase themselves, but rather their characters. For me, I give it a thumbs up but I don't feel like giving it a fifth star because, although it may sound sacrilegious, Spotlight strips off the cinematic glamour so much that in some parts, its depiction of reality becomes boring. Overall impression: 80%. (2016-05-07)

I just have a soft spot for these chamber dramas. Especially when I feel like I'm not wasting my time watching them because it gives me something. Whether it's quality entertainment or new knowledge. More films like this and I'll like that American cinema a lot more. The actors act because they have something to act. And that's the best part. (2016-03-06)