If someone were to ask me what my favorite sub-genre of film is, I would definitely say anthology films. Yes---a lot of them are terrible (Movie 43, which I count as anthology since it's a series of stories) and even the best usually have something wrong with them. I recall an old made for MTV anthology film called Strange Frequency, which I thought was terrific until the end segment, which was a nasty little number involving Judd Nelson as a music producer. However, anthology films also always seem to have a lot to offer me. When you think about the fact that anthology films can revolve around anywhere from 2 segments to 20 segments, there's more of a chance for me to like something in there. With the new Argentinian anthology film, Wild Tales, I found that of the six segments contained in the film, there were six that I absolutely loved. This is an invigorating, funny, dark, tension filled, endlessly entertaining and downright brilliant film that connects six stories to the power of seizing the day and, more so, the feeling we all get when we just want to take revenge on those who wrong us.
The less that is known about the individual skits, the better. At least that's my interpretation since I knew nothing about any of the six and they all entertained me more than anything in recent memory has. I will say there is one sketch that is unlike the other five. I will not say how but if you go see this film (which you most definitely should,) you will know what I'm talking about.
All six of these stories feels like it could have been its own film and I mean that in the best way possible. Writer-director Damian Szifron takes what could have been typical tales of dull, angry people and brilliantly enriches both the characters and the stories with a lived in, lifelike quality. Not once did I think "people like this would never exist."The fact of the matter is that Szifron knows there are tons of people like the ones on display in each of these stories and uses that realism to his advantage.
He also does a great job of unmasking his ultimate metaphor with a slow burn quality. The metaphor is finally revealed and the audience realizes Szifron is showing every single person's inner demons. There are points in everyone's life when we just want to throw it all away to give someone a taste of their own medicine. This idea is brilliant portrayed throughout and in the last sketch, shown with great power in full light.
I would also like to praise this film by saying each of the six stories reminded me of the best "Twilight Zone" episodes. These are dark and often darkly funny segments that give the audience an electric feeling that leaves the viewer vibrating with joy and energy long after they have left the theater.
Szifron also directs this film with a Martin Scorcese or Alfred Hitchcock level of excellence. Every shot serves to make the stories unpredictable (which they always are,) to convey emotion, to show a side of the story the audience has yet to see or to give more depth to the tale at hand. There is not a single camera shot that goes unused for some further purpose. The film is even shockingly beautifully shot in its own twisted, creative ways. Szifron shows that he is a force to be reckoned with both as writer and director.
Wild Tales is one of the most awesome, brilliantly conceived, entertaining and downright stunning films I have seen in quite some time. Recently, it seems as if the art of anthology film has been dying out, with mainly unfunny comedies (the aforementioned Movie 43 and InAPPropiate Comedy) using the style only to attempt disguising the awful nature of those films. However, Szifron assures that with someone who knows exactly what they're doing and with an overarching idea that every member of the audience can relate to, anthology films can still be a great experience. Bravo, Mr. Szifron, bravo.
(5 out of 5 Stars, The film is rated R for violence, language and brief sexuality)
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