Palimpsest
Palimpsest
| 18 August 2006 (USA)
Palimpsest Trailers

Marek, the main character of "Palimpsest," is a police inspector, a man on the verge of psychological disintegration trying to solve an intricate case. The story is told on two planes. The first one is a crime story, which constitutes the framework of the film. In the course of events, another theme appears - psychological experiences of the main character. Vivid blend of picture with sound and music will draw the audience into the deepest recesses of Marek's mind, making the viewers face questions: What is reality and what is only an illusion? Where is the borderline between the real world and our perception of it? What makes suffering meaningful and what is really important in one's life"?

Reviews
TdSmth5

In the intro, a body falls to the ground, rather something does and only later we find out it's a body. Turns out it's the dead body of a cop. His partner is in charge to the investigation. But he also suffers from visions and nightmares. While he interviews and meets shady characters trying to reconstruct the dead cop's final day something becomes clear, that something isn't right with him and/or he's somehow involved. One witness is in a mental institution, another is a photographer with a weird neck brace. A girl he sees is also somehow involved. Because the viewer is warned that something is odd, when it is revealed it isn't so surprising but at the same time, the true scenario is a bit odd and rather weak. Coupled with the final scene that just increases the mystery we are left with little. With a movie like this where at end you have nothing then, the journey at least should be somewhat enjoyable. But it isn't. Sure, for a while you wonder how it will turn out and what the cop's involvement is. But the resolution is a let-down, perhaps the second worst in movies.At around 80 minutes this movie is short. A lot of scenes are exceedingly drawn out, starting with the opening scene and the scene that follows of the photo of a face. Similarly, when a woman walks to a building, it takes forever. Clearly, there wasn't enough script for a fully developed movie. What the filmmakers decided to do instead of working out their idea was to work on style to mask the deficiencies. And this movie is somewhat stylish. It's filmed mostly in a yellow/green tone. The cinematography is pretty decent. But the music and sound effects are indeed too loud, intrusive, and pointless starting with the opening scene that musically tries to prepare us for something grandiose, but like the movie as a whole ends up being nothing special.

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Si in Dublin

Yes, this film is derivative of Lynch. However, it is more cleanly executed than many of Lynch's films, and has a distinctly European, Kafkaesque feel to it. Apart from some shaky acting at times (although the lead is excellent, some of the support is heavy handed), this is better thought through than many films that simply try to create an atmosphere with no plot. The direction is perfect, and best of all, the film does not just dissolve into a set of unsolved riddles. Should be appreciated by anyone who enjoys deeper, psychological, or art-house, thrillers. I found this a very good follow up to "Symmetry".

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dumsumdumfai

for effort, style and construction, 10. However, the problem is with me, i've seen this movie before. A similar premise anyhow.The story begins with a homicide, and the subsequence investigation by a detective. The whirlpool goes down from this point. And because this is in Polish, and the actors are not familiar to me but some looks very similar to each other (while reading the subtitle). It got a bit more confusing. But not to worry, some of the flashbacks or hallucinations adds to this chaos. That's about all I can say. But it is just strange that the senior officer discuss this case with the lead character, the detective, in empty hallways that looks like underground parking lots.A hint of this other movie is by Marc Forester, 2005, with Ewan McGregor, Ryan Gosling and Naomi Watts. And that Marc Forester movie is similar to some of M. Night Shyamalan's earlier efforts. There, a full circle back to effort.

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Rayan

This movie is special.It is a true in-depth study of the mind, and our individual perception's of reality. It can be confusing, and I will admit if there was not a Q&A with the director after the film ended (Toronto Film Festival) I would have given it an 8 or 9 (I failed to understand some of the symbolism). But after hearing his rationale and thought process, I am forced to give it a perfect rating.The concept is truly intriguing and the story is ambiguous enough for individuals to draw their own conclusions.If you are weary of common Hollywood fare, this is the perfect movie.

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