REVIEW - IN THE NAME OF

What is spoken as opposed to what cannot be spoken is the focus of this elliptical drama from Malgorzata Szumowska, if there is much of a focus at all. Too reliant on melodramatic assertion in supposedly subtle scenes of meaningful glances and silent exchanges, she mistakes bewildering lapses in communication and a blatant refusal to fully establish her scenarios for artfulness and integrity. And her intentions are borne out in her craft, loose and meandering, adjusting itself to the specific requirements of a particular whim she experiences. While one may often feel connected to the immediate moment, that connection is equally often interrupted by a jarring stylistic decision, or the realisation that Szumowska has withdrawn us from the core of her story for no good reason whatsoever. And that's a distinct disappointment, since she has been afforded intelligent, perceptive work by her talented cinematographer (and seemingly not-so-talented co-writer), Michal Englert, and her cast. Though it is certainly frustrating to behold actors who appear to be far better informed about their characters than we are, the upside is that their performances demonstrate a depth of feeling and understanding that makes for a rewarding watch. Yet how little that accounts for when the story they serve is then maddeningly obfuscated by a director with a point to prove, with more respect for her abilities than her judgement. Is there anything to be gained in exercising such emotional detachment when one's plot is so essentially emotional? A sharper screenplay and, simply, a better director could have aided the strong work in other departments in this unnecessarily challenging film.