In both its nihilistic themes and art-house attributes that border on the satirical, Lars von Trier’s Melancholia serves as a very clear successor to his controversial previous effort, 2009’s Antichrist. Both films begin with a shamelessly pretentious but inescapably beautiful opening prologue that drips with mesmerising slow-motion photography and heart-rending classical overtures. From there, however, von Trier leads us down a very long and arduous path of cheerless monotony, one [...]

I loathe having to review a film like Terrance Malick’s Palme d’Or winning The Tree of Life. Why? Because it’s the kind of epic art film that to summate in a few measly sentences would be a grave injustice to the thousands of hours poured into its inspired creation. So that’s why I decided to make a silly, inane video review instead!

Watch the review below and, on the off chance [...]

It’s not only filmmakers with officially selected films that have a chance to come to Cannes; many make their way to the Cote d’Azur to market their films for international distributors and gain advice from their industry compatriots. I talked with Australian Daniel Tenni, writer/producer of Restare Uniti about the help Cannes can provide, Heath Ledger and Africa.

Nicolas Winding Refn quoted the filming of his latest effort as “the best Hollywood experience I could ever have” at the Cannes post-screening conference. For the Danish man who’s had previous European arthouse success, it seems the ultimate dream’s finally reared its head. And for his first US effort he hasn’t wasted the opportunity, blending a cocktail of noir and action with a pinch of romance to deliver a violent [...]

I’ve had a relatively uninteresting few days viewing-wise. To be honest, I haven’t actually seen anything. Friday brought about the press conference of the wonderful Drive, where I got to ask Nicolas Winding Refn a question. (Watch from 31:40; and apologies in advance for my bad camera angle.) I must say, it was pretty surreal later on looking up at the TV in the wifi room while working to [...]

Competing for the Short Palme d’Or at Cannes alongside Aussie Nash Edgerton’s Bear, Sam Holst is flying the flag for New Zealand with Meathead. Moviedex caught up with Holst after the initial press screening to discuss his sentiments on the festival, TV commercials and the fact that he’s from Melbourne.