Movie: Cache (2005) 10/10!

Cache (2005) Directed by Michael Haneke Writing credits Michael Haneke (screenplay)

I am not a fan of highbrow cinema, or movies that bombard me with pseudo-intellectual banter and boring interactions between banal characters. That said, Cache was nothing short of brilliant, compelling moviemaking the likes of which I have rarely seen. Yes, it's French. Yes, there are subtitles. Yes, you will be left at the end of the movie with a feeling of disappointment. But this is a very subtle, thought-provoking film.

Don't bother watching this if you feel like watching the typical shoot-em-up American action movie. This is not a Hollywood turd, after all. This is fine French cinema.

The plot has to do with a family being harrassed by an anonymous stalker who sends them numerous videos of themselves living their mundane lives. They begin to feel a sense of dread as they realize they are under surveillance by someone with the ability to remain completely hidden. As the story progresses, the father begins to realize there may be a connection with someone from his past. The end will likely leave most Americans bewildered. When you rent this DVD, make sure to watch the interview with the director after watching the film; it goes a long way to explain the befuddling ending and making you feel at peace with the open-endedness of this fine piece of work.

Don't expect anyone to get shot; it's not that kind of movie. The psychological tautness is what this story is really about. But you can expect to cringe and exclaim "WTF!" during one scene that is sure to make your mouth drop.

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Addendum: Aug, 18th, 1:30 PM:

On second thought, after having time to reflect on this film's utter genius, I have decided to give it a 10/10 rating. Not trying to be pretentious, just sayin': Yeah, it's that good.

But note: you really have to be in the mood for something melancholy, slow-paced, and fixated with somewhat mundane parts of life. Paraphrasing the director in the interview: "This is a story that can be told in any country. Every country has this story to tell."

Sifted: 10/10