Anatomy of a Fall

[Prrambulate]

I just finished watching this. Truly excellent performances, especially from the child actor! And one of the most realistic, agonisingly accurate domestic conflicts I’ve seen unfold on the screen.

Has anyone else seen it? What do you think ‘actually’ happened, or ultimately, does it even matter?

It wasn’t for me, I didn’t really understand it.

I agree and I have honestly never seen a dog act like that!

Watched it last night. I thought it was good but I'm surprised at the Oscar nominations.

I'm not sure what really happened!!

I thought the dog was great, but a bit meh about the rest of it.

I enjoyed it and Sandra Thingy the lead is a phenomenal actress. If you've not seen Toni Edrman then treat yourself. It's amazing.

I do agree though that I've seen many European films of this quality and wonder why this one is getting Oscar nominations (especially in that category? Didn't they used to have a foreign language category? I know parts are English so ...)

Spoiler....

I think whether she did it or not wasn't the question in the end. It was that line from the boy's court appointed guardian who told him the truth was what he believed. I think the boy decided that he wanted to believe his mum. I think he invented the conversation in the car with his Dad and that helped sway the court.

I agree with the spoiler interpretation you posted! Especially made more convincing by the fact that he wanted distance from his mother beforehand. And both parents being writers!

I like the interpretation that the movie speaks to and about misogyny, and the way society look upon ‘cold’ women like Sandra who are focused and resilient and able to make what they want of themselves.

Fantastic. The dialogue during the argument is excellent and so well acted. It won't be for everyone but I stuck with it. I prefer this type of film where it's about the dialogue and subtlety rather than action packed.

I'm not sure he invented the conversation, but perhaps re interpreted it.

And I don't think she killed him. Why would she really. He starts and argument with her, not the other way around. She seems quite settled and steady whereas he is struggling with insecurities, failures, depression, frustration. I think he fell. Perhaps leaning out to contemplate a jump, but actually fell.

Interesting dialogue about how when wins a case where they are the defendant they don't really win. There is no prize- they go back to their ordinary life, only worse- no husband and court fees and the post traumatic stress of the case.

Yes!! They should create aspect category at The Oscars so that dog can win an award. I loved it.

Great film.

A lot of films are being labelled feminist this year but this one really is, I think. His jealousy of her is so believable. I bet a lot of successful women have experiences of their partner behaving in an equivalent manner as when he played loud misogynist music while she was being interviewed about her novels. She’s lucky he didn’t take her out with him.

The point that it all hung on what their son said was my fave.

I agree that the boy invented the convo: he clocked that he wouldn’t have any parents if DM was convicted and felt compelled to save her.

I don’t think she did it. The husband was an annoying drip but meh, she was used to that.

I completely agree. The court’s disbelief that she could somehow, after her interview was disrupted and with loud music blaring, be able to go to her room, drown out the sound, focus and write was very believable. And then when it transpires that she’s precisely the kind of woman who can do that, we’re presented with a narrative of her coldness/heartlessness.

She is not a saint by any means, but there were so many insightful moments in there about individual agency, willpower, the dangers of self martyrdom etc

*a special

Anyone seen Zone of Interest yet? I still have three films left to watch: Zone of Interest; American Fiction and Killers of the Flower Moon. I could stream the last one but I would rather see it in a cinema.

Haha your list is the same as mine. Loves Anatomy of a Call and whilst the Oscar nom was a suprise, I'm glad to see something like this get it. Subtle but beautifully acted. I was satisfied at the end even though not everything was wrapped up.

Yes I've seen Zine of Interest. I "enjoyed" it as much as you can enjoy a movie on that subject and thought it was well told. Again, it's very subtle. You kinda have to know to know but that's the beauty in it.

Waiting to watch Killer Moon on TV, we'll make it a miniseries as it's so long. Hoping to get chance to see American Fiction on the cinema, and The Holdovers

Saw American Fiction: funny. Very accurate about how books and films work.

Unfortunately I worked in that sort of publishing for 20 years and guessed the end so I left early.

Racism in print is fuelled only by 🇺🇸 publishers. We tufty 🇬🇧 editors battle it daily - no one bats an eyelid at the cover battle with New York every time, and we don’t tell the authors the half of it.

I've finally seen it this evening as cineworld are showing Oscar nominated films.

I thought it was excellent. The actor playing the son was outstanding. And Snoop.

I saw this last night at Cineworld as part of their Oscar season - it was outstanding, every actor was amazing (including Snoop). I loved the way we had an outcome from the trial, but are left with doubts and interpretations.

Have the music stuck in my head 😄

I think it was my favourite of the Oscar's best pictures nominees. I enjoyed American fiction more but that seems less Oscar bait.

I watched on prime for £3.99.

Just have past lives to see now, luckily on Netflix!

Oh American fiction joined prime last night so I could have seen that for free too!

Absolutely loved this film. Thought it was brilliant from start to end. The scene with the steel band version of 50 Cent’s P.I.M.P blasting through the house was very powerful. I mean, any sane person would have been driven to commit murder with that going on!

I read in an interview that the director did not tell Sandra Huller if she was innocent or guilty. Instead she instructed her to just act as if she was trying to convince the jury of her innocence (if that makes sense).

I thought the courtroom scenes were fantastic and 10/10 to the boy who played the son.

Love films that leave you questioning “what really happened” at the end. Personally I’m not sure but I got the feeling her lawyer actually thought she was guilty?!

Brilliant film. This is an enjoyable read if you liked the dog.

He broke your heart in Anatomy of a Fall. Now Messi the dog is a Hollywood A-lister | Film | The Guardian

“You are not a victim. Not at all. Your generosity conceals something dirtier and meaner.”

Can we pin this to the top of AIBU? 😁

Apparently they wanted Dolly Parton "Jolene" initially but didn't get the rights for it.