Day Night Day Night

'œTerror is existential in this highly intelligent, somewhat sadistic, totally fascinating movie,' said J. Hoberman in The Village Voice. We follow every step of a female suicide bomber on a mission to blow herself up in Times Square. But we never learn what motivates her. This is one movie terrorist who has 'œno obvious politics, no apparent religion, no overt nationality.' Director Julia Loktev wants to make a statement about terrorism without making a statement about ideology, said Stephen Holden in The New York Times. 'œBut the deliberate withholding of a political agenda in a movie about a suicide bomber has unavoidable political implications,' since it suggests that all forms of fanaticism are essentially the same. Fortunately, Day Night Day Night is less an analysis of terrorism than a prolonged study of its lead actress' fascinating face. Luisa Williams' appearance is ethnically indistinct but entirely distinctive. 'œDetermination, rage, uncertainty, bravado, modesty and panic are among the feelings that flicker over her slightly feral features.' The actress makes us sympathize with and even root for her. The film shows as little curiosity about this terrorist's psychological motivations as it does her political ones, said David Edelstein in New York. Nevertheless, I was enthralled by every moment. 'œI'm frankly flummoxed about what Day Night Day Night adds up to, but its 'you are there' allure is potent.'

Rating: Not rated

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