This is the second Hartley movie i watch, first one was THE UNBELIEAVABLE TRUTH and truth be told, i liked that better. HENRY FOOL is much more ambitious though, more mature and i think this stays with me longer. Hartley is a very interesting and unique director, his movies have "personality" and "identity", for sure there is depth/finesse in them. However, i can't say this particular movie is a 100% success. First of all, this Henry character. I can't get past the fact that he did what he did. There are crimes that can be forgiven and there are crimes that can't be. I tried to forget his past actions during the movie, otherwise i wouldn't have watched it. It was difficult.
Furthermore, this is a bit convoluted and messy. Story is interesting, ok, but i felt these 137 minutes, it should have been shorter. Pace should have been faster. Maybe it should have been better if it was a mini tv series. It dragged a bit in the middle.
But there were many positives as well. Acting performances were almost great, as long as you buy in this specific directorial style. Dramedy worked here, i mean, both the comedy and the drama element were good and the combination was successful. Overall, this is enjoyable, most of the characters are enjoyable, characters have depth and the ending was great. It's good enough to make me want to see its "successor", i mean, there is a sequel! (FAY GRIM, 2006). However, this could have been much better.
Furthermore, this is a bit convoluted and messy. Story is interesting, ok, but i felt these 137 minutes, it should have been shorter. Pace should have been faster. Maybe it should have been better if it was a mini tv series. It dragged a bit in the middle.
But there were many positives as well. Acting performances were almost great, as long as you buy in this specific directorial style. Dramedy worked here, i mean, both the comedy and the drama element were good and the combination was successful. Overall, this is enjoyable, most of the characters are enjoyable, characters have depth and the ending was great. It's good enough to make me want to see its "successor", i mean, there is a sequel! (FAY GRIM, 2006). However, this could have been much better.