A criminology professor is invited to provide his insight into a series of meticulously planned murders that blur the lines between legality and morality.
Not having watched a Greek film in years, I’ll admit that this one was a pleasant surprise. Sotiris Tsafoulias writes and directs a cerebral but also existential ‘whodunit’ film where the protagonist (Pigmalion Dadakaridis) races against time to find clues about murders that wake up demons of his own. Very interesting story with an inevitably convoluted development. Maybe too convoluted, though, on this occasion. Being spoiler-free, I’ll try to be as less vague as possible.
To me, it becomes a major issue the fact that the killer does not have the relevant background to perform the murders in such a manner. Either I missed it, or the way such knowledge has been gained is not explained properly. When you watch it, please let me know if I missed it. Secondly, and this has been an ongoing problem in Greek cinema, the acting is quite stiff or flat. But this is not necessarily only the actors’ fault, as directing, to a certain extent, dictates the thespians’ acting. For example, Ioanna Kolliopoulou (Sophia) – 2018 Winner of the ‘Melina Merkouri Theater Award’ – is a very expressive young theatrical actress who could have served as the protagonist’s ‘driving force’. Something that here is not obvious at all. Thirdly, and again a major one, the editing. The editing, among other things, defines the film’s pace and rhythm, and, especially in films like The Other Me, it carefully reveals not the information the audience wants to know but the information they need to know when they need to know it. Here, the editing is reasonably misleading – as it should have been, but the film’s rhythm and pace are monotonous. Something that heavily reflects on the film’s mood.
Actors Pigmalion Dadakaridis and Giorgos Chrysostomou (Manthos Kozoros) stand out for their performances. Director of Photography Giorgos Mihelis creates an excellent noir atmosphere and an also excellent mise-en-scène. Last but not least, I give a round of applause to the Makeup Department; spot-on job!
I definitely recommend you to watch it as I know very well how hard it is in Greece to make a film and trust me when I say that The Other Me is an achievement. Money shortage, production companies lacking the know-how, and a series of governments who couldn’t give two s%#@& about the Greek film industry prevent the artists from unfolding their true talents. On a final note, I hope Greek cinema develops an identity, mixing the influences coming from world cinema with genuine Greek elements that one day will lead to a wider distribution.
You can watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSmArtOew08
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