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My thoughts on this absolute puzzle of a film


This was so cryptic to me, and still is, but with about 20 minutes left I think I realized what was going on (I haven't read up on what others have to say about it, so everything here is what I came up with based on my viewing): the filmmakers were trying to create a film, where through various conversations and situations, infinite interpretations could stem. Whether I am correct or incorrect in this assumption, I do think it occurred anyways.

Based on what we are shown in the film, I think that no one interpretation can be made, and that is the interpretation. It is the film that keeps on giving.

I think it was visually beautiful, it was very interesting, and it is incredibly unique. Needless to say, I really liked it, and already want to watch it again. It is one of the most bold films I've ever seen.

While I was watching it, I established dozens and dozens of ideas of what may be occurring, and the one that I like the most (not what I think is right, because I believe that there is no right or wrong) is the idea that most of the film is the culmination of A and X's fantasies being played out. A is married to or dating M, a relationship which is unfulfilling to her. They are on vacation. X is also there on vacation. A and X both see each other but do not really converse, only acknowledge each other. They each play out fantastical scenarios in their heads, not planning on acting on them, for A, while unhappy, is not unfaithful, and X recognizes that she is in a relationship with M and does not make a move. However, within their played out fantasies, they both consider the possibility that the other is also fantasizing. In each fantasy they plan a meet-up, which we see at the end of the film. To fuel their very elaborate fantasies, they go ahead and attend this meet-up, just nonchalantly, not expecting anything. Yet when the other arrives at the imagined destination, they have an unspoken realization of exactly what has been occurring. They walk off together with M right behind, perhaps in reality, or perhaps as one of their delusions to add on to the danger that is present in their fantasies: the belief that an affair may result in the death of A by M.

Even within this specific interpretation of mine, you can still say that perhaps the final scene where the two walk off together with M behind was only the fantasy of one of the characters, or that the entire thing was only the fantasy of one of the characters. Within each interpretation, minor details can be changed to make for an entirely different interpretation, which is what makes this the single most ambiguous film I've ever seen. I didn't love it while watching it, but while typing this post I've come to realize that I think I do love it. It's clever, it's broad, it's everything, it's nothing. What the hell did I just watch.

Better to be king for a night than schmuck for a lifetime.

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