A smile at cinematic beauty: 35 Shots of Rum

A wonderfully executed and poetic film by Claire Denis called 35 Shots of Rum made me an instant fan of Claire Denis although I'm still exploring more of her work. 35 Shots of Rum beautifully photographed by Agnes Godard (making me an instant cinematographic admirer) and directed by Claire Denis focuses on the deep relationship of a father and daughter similar to The Ballad of Jack and Rose without the incestuous undertones. Alex Descas who performs as Lionel and Mati Diop who is Josephine share a dependent love for each other as father and daughter. The film follows the lives of the two in an atmospheric and subtle way in which there are many quiet moments letting the narrative breathe without any sharp dramatic interruptions. The film is reminiscent of Japanese cinema master, Yasujiro Ozu's familial dramas. Everything in the film happens in a seemingly natural pace exposing the normal lives of Lionel and Josephine in magnificent cinematic compositions.