Passion

I just got through watching Brian De Palma's latest film, "Passion", and have to say it's possibly the best film he's made in his entire career! Amazing how a man in his 70's can still put out such awesome movies!Something that I really hate is when I see so many people stating how they've recently seen a movie, and they didn't "get" it, or didn't understand it, thus the movie was bad in their opinion. No, of course it couldn't be because they just don't have the intelligence or the intellect to grasp what the filmmaker was trying to convey, no, it is because the film is bad and that's that.Well, that is not always the case, matter of fact, probably not the case in any one of the movies those people reviewed. There are lots of great movies out these days that have complicated, intriguing, mysterious hard-to-understand plots, but those of us who follow along and pay attention (and have higher IQ's, obviously) don't consider them "bad films" unless they are badly made.And, unfortunately, over the entire past decade, Brian De Palma has been blasted so many times for making "bad films" by people who just don't understand his films (because we live in such a dumbed down world these days) it isn't even funny.(Oh, and just because something is described as an "erotic thriller" doesn't mean that every scene in the film is going to be some kind of titillating erotic soft-porn film for people wanting porno. So, for people complaining about this not being erotic enough, please buy a clue.)Now, I've been a long-time fan of De Palma's, going all the way back to when I first saw "Carrie" when it came out in 1977. And, honestly, when I first started seeing previews of "Passion", and reading some of the negative reviews, I wasn't all that excited as I've been over all of De Palma's other releases to see it.It just kind of looked like it would be a little too bland for want of better word, and from what I was reading, the plot was going to be over-the-top convoluted to the point of being incomprehensible.And, sure, the first half of the film is made with a whole new style than what De Palma fans are probably used to, but honestly, I found that most refreshing, and thought it was a brilliant choice on his behalf to film it that particular way. But, on the other hand, the entire second (and especially the third) half of the film is deliciously, deviously, dementedly De Palma in all his delectable glory.I'll tell you this, I'm glad I was watching it alone, because the entire last 10 minutes of the film I was shouting out, "Wow! Hell yeah! Wow! Hell yeah! Wow! Hell Yeah! Wow!" over and over, and I would have hated to have interrupted someone else's enjoyment of it.Plotwise, I'm not going to divulge anything at all, because to say anything about any particular moment in the film would ruin it for anyone reading this, for every moment in the film leads from one glorious surprise to another, giving the viewer twists and turns like riding a roller coaster.I will say, though, that the film gives De Palma the chance to work in lots of his given themes from older films, ranging from betrayal to the evil doppleganger.Stylewise, the film is a cornucopia of styles reflecting not only other great films of the same genre from decades past (I even caught whiffs of nods to "All About Eve"), but also from De Palma's own catalogue, ranging from split dioptor to a breath-taking split-screen scene that rates up there with the likes of "Carrie" and "Dressed To Kill".Anyone who hasn't seen it needs to see it NOW! You'll thank me later.Thank you!Randall Brooks(author, "Two Worlds")

One might argue that "Passion" is about as memorable as the film's generic title. And they might be right. But overall, the film is not bad. When I rate a move 3-stars, it is still a recommendation...despite considerable flaws. "Passion" has many of De Palma's trademark quirks: a nod to Hitchcock and other films, stylish to the point of experimentation, the use of sex or sexuality as a lethal weapon, perfectly framed and lit shots, etc. The film's weaknesses are in the story and script, which involves a business relationship-turned-bitter rivalry between three people at an advertising firm. The murder mystery/noir plot twists are, at times, forced beyond the breaking point of credibility. In fact, some of the contrivances open up huge gaping holes in logic which are so distracting that it ends up deflating the overall film. The script, at times, is also too shallow, and not layered enough for it to be a compelling character study...or to present characters that we fully understand. Rachel McAdams, though beautiful in a femme fatale role, comes across as too broad and cartoony at times. We see through her character's badness much too soon, which gives "Passion" no place to go until violence erupts. And even after the big violent moment happens, the subsequent murder-mystery plot twists that ensue are only mildly unpredictable (or not predictable at all), since the number of suspects is limited to two people. Despite all of this, De Palma still manages to hold it together with interesting shots, editing, and photogenic people and locations. Although this is definitely not one of his masterworks, it is a film that has parts that are better than the whole. Many of those parts are good enough to recommend the film as a curio...but not a classic.

First, if you haven't seen the original film, 2010's 'Love Crime', I highly recommend it - it was far superior to this remake. That's surprising when you consider the genius talent involved, such as Brian DePalma and Noomi Rapace. If you are watching this film for the purposes of seeing a hot scene between McAdams and Rapace, it isn't going to deliver (the trailer seems to be pushing for that, so don't expect it). This film overall was very inconsistent. DePalma is a master, and unfortunately that doesn't come through in this picture, though the last half an hour it shines through bit. Rapace is one of the best working actresses today, but she isn't meant to be used frivolously. She's good at very specific things, none of which get utilized in this film. I'm not sure why she was chosen, as fantastic an actor as she is, this is the last role she should have been cast for and doesn't suit her. Consequently, this part plays against type completely for McAdams and suspension of belief really has to work overtime to believe either of these two as these characters. I don't agree with any of the casting choices of the supporting actors, either, for that matter. This film suffers from bad casting choices and I fail to see the point or need of an English remake so close to the original, both in release date and scenes, nonetheless one that doesn't add anything to the experience. So you have to read subtitles with the original Love Crime - you'll quickly forget that, it's so well constructed. The same cannot be said for this film, which never seems like it finds its footing. I'd heard bad things so I wasn't expecting a ton, but I am surprised the film could fall so flat and be so mediocre with so much talent involved.

Brian De Palma returns to the sleek, sly, seductive territory of Dressed To Kill with an erotic thriller fueled by sex, ambition and the murderous side of Passion. Rachel McAdams and Noomi Rapace star as two female executives whose fierce competition to rise up the ranks is about to turn literally cut-throat.Highly recommended.

Special film... Still don't really know what to think of it. Trailer looked promising.The mind games they play in this film is appalling. Hope this kind of stuff never happens to me in real life! It does take a while before things actually start happening. But when they do...Fast delivery, well packaged, good price.

I love this movie

much better film from noomi, and rachel held a good support to the story

very good film big twist at the end.