Scarlett Johansson’s film was praised
ITALY Good dialogue, acting, and deeply explored divorce topic are critics’ comments for “Marriage Story” (Scarlett Johansson, Adam Driver).
The film directed by Noah Baumbach is among the most praised group after the first four days at the Venice Film Festival (Italy). Along with Joker, Ad Astra, the work is being considered a candidate for the Golden Lion Award (equivalent to “Excellent Film”). In the film, a theater director (played by Driver) and his actress wife (played by Johansson) have marital conflicts, greatly affecting their personal lives and creativity.
After the screening on August 29, 100% of critics gave the film positive reviews on Rotten Tomatoes, with an average score of 9.17/10. Most writers praised Marriage Story’s dialogue, comedy and acting. Time Out’s Joshua Rothkopf gave the film a perfect score, saying director Baumbach turned a story about the discontent of urban residents into a global work. The filmmaker skillfully leads the audience through hidden conflicts in the family, which then explode into controversy at the climax.
Guardian scored 4/5, praising the way the work shows the lives of young people with many privileges in modern society. Indiewire commented that the film is much deeper than its somewhat simple premise (about divorce). In 136 minutes of running time, the director explores the conflicting viewpoints of the main duo and also highlights many aspects of the divorce process. The Wrap said that with this work, Baumbach secured his reputation as one of the leading humanist filmmakers. American director born in 1969, famous for films that mix drama and comedy (dramatic comedy).
The performances of Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson were both highly appreciated. Indiewire called their performance “intense”, while Time Out said the two made a strong impression in the climax, with Driver portraying an even stronger anger than his role as the villain Kylo Ren in the Star Wars series. ScreenDaily said Johansson expanded her acting range in this film, starting to play adult characters. Before that, female stars born in 1984 often transformed into heroes (Marvel Cinematic Universe) or attractive young girls (Lost in Translation, The Prestige). Indiewire believes that Driver and Johansson are likely candidates in the upcoming awards season.
Science fiction film Ad Astra received 83% positive reviews on Rotten Tomatoes with many compliments for its visuals. In the work, Brad Pitt transforms into an astronaut who goes into space to find his father. The movie Joker received eight minutes of applause at the premiere. 87% of critics gave the film positive ratings on Rotten Tomatoes, most praising Joaquin Phoenix for his impressive performance as the infamous villain, Batman’s rival. An Officer and a Spy by controversial director Roman Polanski is more modest with 60% good reviews on Rotten Tomatoes.
Next week, a number of other prominent works will premiere in Venice such as the biographical film The King, the film About Endlessness by Swedish cinema master Roy Andersson or Babyteeth by Shannon Murphy – an Australian female director. The film festival will close on September 7.
