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    Categories: Reviews

Review: ‘Youth’ Has Fun But Gets Old Quick

Paolo Sorrentino’s gorgeously shot ‘Youth’ brings together veteran film icons Michael Caine and Harvey Keitel as a duo of old friends on a spa retreat in Switzerland, but a lingering drabness will ultimately leave audiences underwhelmed.

‘Youth’ tells a nuanced tale of two old friends at a spa retreat in the Swiss Alps. Oscar award winning actor Michael Caine takes on the lead role as Fred, a highly accomplished conductor and composer, who is joined by Rachel Weisz as his daughter Harvey Keitel, his best friend and renowned filmmaker. Fred and Mick muse, ponder and reflect on life all the while Mick hurriedly prepares, what he considers to be, his masterwork screenplay for what will likely be his last relevant film. Fred, on the other hand, is plagued with dissillusion and has since given up on rekindling his once blazing musical career. The film ultimately tracks the pair of aging men as they not only reflect on their past, but ultimately learn that some of the most important experiences they will face in life are not all in the past.

Michael Caine as “Fred” in YOUTH. Photo by Gianni Fiorito. © 2015 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation All Rights Reserved

Cinematics (Cinematography, Acting, etc.) – 4

Contrary to its title, ‘Youth’ targets anything but, basking in post mid-life reflection and coming from a heavily male point of view. The film plays more of a visual love story, centered on the breathtaking Swiss landscapes first and story second. By no means is this a bad film. Actually, the acting, as would expect from such and A-list cast, is quite good. The problem is that director Paolo Sorrentino chooses a theme and tone that may more so appeal to those, how should I put this, with advanced age. A good part of the first act revolves around introspection and discussion about the two lead characters past and present ambitions. Not to cheapen the experience, but think the conceptual value of the ‘Bucket List’ with a visual splendor like that of ‘Grand Budapest Hotel’ (minus the Wes Anderson-isms of course). Basically, it’s like a more nuanced European version of ‘Grumpy Old Men,’ a buddy comedy of sorts between two aging artists.

Michael Caine continues to provide solid acting work, although his time in big Hollywood blockbusters has engrained him with a semi-generic persona. Harvey Keitel’s character is sort of interesting, but I never fully identify with either character. Again, I perceive this to be a function of my disconnect with their advanced age versus the quality of the acting or story. Special due should be given to Paul Dano and Jane Fonda, who although had smaller roles, added a tremendous value to the film’s character but also were instrumental in effectively moving the plot forward.

While it may at times seem overt and even belabored, the film’s does tackle a world on the divide of old and new. The conventions of the past being lost to new trends and the struggle of those trying to remain relevant in an industry fueled ‘Youth.’

‘Youth’ is a film, it is cinema. Sorrentino, who won the Oscar for ‘The Great Beauty,’ is both purposeful and artful. Every moment is drenched with breathtaking scenery, as the film itself was gorgeously shot by Luca Bigazzi. Add a mesmerizing score by David Lang, the film shows an ardent intonation with arthouse cinema.

Paul Dano, Harvey Keitel and Michael Caine in YOUTH. © 2015 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation All Rights Reserved

Entertainment Value – 3

The film is much of a quiet storm of drama with ample comedic dentures, usually born from situations versus jokes. For that reason the film is above average in its ability to entertain.

The focal point of the film, however, is definitely is visual display. While I would say that this could also fall under cinematic value, the landscape shots and camera work was so appearing, it was often the most entertaining part of the film.

There are no special effects and big set pieces here, no ‘Youth’ will appeal to audiences through good old fashioned dialogue, acting and chemistry between the ensemble of top-tier talent. While I maintain that and audiences ‘Youth’ experience will hinge upon where their personally fall on the age spectrum, I cannot deny Sorrentino’s cinematically artful and wholly well-acted product.

Michael Caine and Harvey Keitel in YOUTH. © 2015 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation All Rights Reserved

Re-Watchability – 3

While I don’t fully identify with the film’s core theme, The quality of visual craftsmanship, acting in the queue of talent involved with this film would likely merit a future revisitation.

Blu-Ray – 3

With a few special features, the ‘Youth’ Blu-Ray release gives a little more insight into the artfulness of the film with an interesting Musical and Score featurette, a photo gallery as as well as commentary by director Paolo Sorrentino. The case presentation itself is clean and the Blu-Ray disc itself goes beyond the generic with a full-color printed cover.

 

Watch FilmFad’s unboxing video for Paolo Sorrentino’s ‘Youth’ on Blu-Ray.

  • Cinematics
  • Entertainment Value
  • Rewatchability

Summary

There are no special effects and big set pieces here, no 'Youth' will appeal to audiences through good old fashioned dialogue, acting and chemistry between the ensemble of top-tier talent. While I maintain that and audiences 'Youth' experience will hinge upon where their personally fall on the age spectrum, I cannot deny Sorrentino's cinematically artful and wholly well-acted product.

3.5
Pooya: Since his wee lad-dom, Pooya has been a sommelier of cinema. It was likely some acting bug, fallen from the dust riddled ruby curtains of an enchanted old stage that did it. Those cinematic scarabs must have burrowed deep into his brain, irreversibly altering his mind, turning the poor boy down a dismal path. From his earliest years the strange boy would aimlessly wander the aisles of countless video rental stores, amassing his trivial knowledge with vigor. These actions befuddled the boy’s parents, who still would lovingly oblige his unusual attraction to the motion picture. Often seeking refuge in the cushioned seating of his local movie theater, the odd adolescent would immerse himself in the scripted and effects riddled realities unfolding on the screen before him. During his collegiate years, he was twice spotted on stage performing bizarre theatrical rituals before awe-struck audiences. When he departed from academia, he left behind his youth in exchange for a labor routine, but the strange young man never lost his long-cultivated love of film. Recently, Pooya was approached by FilmFad.com to join their budding team of entertainment bloggers. After hours of coaxing and an undisclosed number of honey jars, he accepted their offer. Finally he had come full circle. Finally, at FilmFad.com, he was home.
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