Though short at less than 70 minutes, you can already see Exotica or The Sweet Hereafter's director behind the themes and style. Next of Kin is a rather fascinating story about a listless rich boy who after a video-taped family therapy session, sneaks in to watch other people's tapes and becomes interested in an Armenian family and decides to visit them, playing the role of their long-lost son, given away for adoption as a baby. Now, Egoyan admits to his failures on the fascinating commentary track; the importance he gave to camera moves that don't actually register strongly with the audience (though I could tell SOMEthing was up, it's true the intent wasn't clear enough) would have made the film about identity and spiritual theft. But Next of Kin takes a life of its own, and regardless of intent, doesn't register as a failure. The role-playing theme is far less sinister in large part because the adopted family is so charismatic and lively, and as much as Peter wants to heal them, they end up healing him. The movie quite simply rejects its rookie director's pretentiousness
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RonJensen
Watch it here (in English with Spanish subtitles):https://noodlemagazine.com/watch/574803705_456239332
(WARNING: This site frequently features "Adult themed" ads, that are NSFW.) ;)
Siskoid
Though short at less than 70 minutes, you can already see Exotica or The Sweet Hereafter's director behind the themes and style. Next of Kin is a rather fascinating story about a listless rich boy who after a video-taped family therapy session, sneaks in to watch other people's tapes and becomes interested in an Armenian family and decides to visit them, playing the role of their long-lost son, given away for adoption as a baby. Now, Egoyan admits to his failures on the fascinating commentary track; the importance he gave to camera moves that don't actually register strongly with the audience (though I could tell SOMEthing was up, it's true the intent wasn't clear enough) would have made the film about identity and spiritual theft. But Next of Kin takes a life of its own, and regardless of intent, doesn't register as a failure. The role-playing theme is far less sinister in large part because the adopted family is so charismatic and lively, and as much as Peter wants to heal them, they end up healing him. The movie quite simply rejects its rookie director's pretentiousness