It was on the face of it an interesting double bill at my favourite local cinema. Both films examine a long term relationship which has run into difficulties. In neither case were massive rows or domestic violence, but in both cases a sense of boredom and unrest pervaded the relationships.
Both are low budget affairs from critically acclaimed film makers, more interested in character development and interaction than plot. So it would seem likely that if I enjoyed one, I would like the other, isn’t it…?
Exhibition
Exhibition centres on a couple D and H who have been living in the same house together for 18 years. The man (H, Liam Gillick) wants to sell the house but the woman (D, Viv Albertine) does not. They both work from home as artists who are absorbed in their work for most of the time. In the early part of the film, D seems quite hostile to H and is not interested in having sex with him.
As a synopsis, it may not sound too interesting, and I wish I could say this impression was wrong. We see the couple hanging around in their sterile and loud house, “working”. It is not clear exactly what either of them do. We see D doing a few sketches, and at one point bizarrely stripping and covering herself in masking tape. H, meanwhile plays around on his computer to no great effect. It seems that they both specialise in pretentious nonsense which is entirely apt for this film.
Anyway, the “plot” meanders on-and-on, and I was left to ponder which of the two characters I like the least. They certainly didn’t resemble human beings I have ever met or wanted to meet. Towards the end of the film, D becomes interested in H again, but the reason for the change in their relationship is not explained or convincing.
Pointless nonsense from writer / director Joanna Hogg. Albertine is better known as the guitarist in the band The Slits. Do yourself a favour and invest in their debut album the The Cut rather than this dreary movie.
Rating 2 out of 10
Concussion
In Concussion, Robin Weigert plays Abby. Feeling neglected by her workaholic lawyer wife Kate, she fills her days exercising and renovating an apartment. Still feeling dissatisfied and looking for some excitement she comes a high class hooker for female only clients.
Whilst the basic plot is a little implausible (as is the ease at which her business is set up) this is a much better depiction of marital angst. A lot more people watching this film should be able to identify with Abby’s feelings, though not with her actions. Intelligent, funny and warm, you can understand how she becomes hooked on the attention she receives from her customers. The attention she is not getting at home.
Weigert is excellent in the role, and there is solid support all round. It is especially good to see Janel Maloney, best known as Donna in The West Wing, as one of her friends. The director, Stacie Passon, handles both the more serious and light hearted elements of the story well, with only Abby’s relationship with neighbour Sam (Maggie Siff) striking a false note.
Rating 7 out of 10