Slepa pega

The movie explores an over-exploited topic (drugs plus AIDS.) However, I am amazed at the talent of the director who didn't use tears and the rest of the sentimental elements to create the effect she (probably) desired. Blind Spot is a movie that shows completely realistically the relationship between a drug addict and his sister who has decided to sacrifice herself. No drama, only real pain.

SLEPA PEGA is a typical young writer fare. It is pretty weak in terms of craft and it persists on aggresive use of inside knowledge and attempts at tackling serious social issues like drugs and AIDS. It is always nice to see such fresh and energetic approach. This is why I guess SLEPA PEGA can play quite well with older demographics since they are supposed to have no clue about youngsters and drugs. Also the energy ought to be enough to seduce the elders. However, when it comes to middle-aged, Gen-X types, this film plays flat. The drug addiction is overly dramatized and coming down from heroin doesn`t look so horrible. This whole drying out routine seems to be lifted from Frankenheimer`s FRENCH CONNECTION 2.

The direction is trying to be fancy and arty. Camera moves are overdone because during course of time, author probably realized that she can`t rely on conservative storytelling techniques. Even though, this style is too complicated and it misguides the audience because there are simply too many accents.

In common film cultures, such juvenile projects never get greenlighted. But still, Slak may have a few surprises up her sleeve in her sophomore efforts.

Dark, Brooding, Solid. Not every film must be part of a new wave.

The urban drug epidemic is the setting but the real story is about familial love and its sacrifices. At times the film is a struggle to watch, its realism grinds on the viewer just as this grey life must grind on the burdened sister, Lupa(Dorrer). The programme notes for the film told me that this would be "a terrifying drama about young people trying to find a way of out their destructive lifestyles" and this film could definitely appeal to a personal development teacher wanting to keep their class busy on a rainy Thursday afternoon. It's a simple story told with solid directing, risky camera-work and good acting (and in the case of Dorrer, excellent acting).

The previous reviewer pointed out in common film cultures this project would not have been given the green light but I have seen hundreds of hours of humdrum drug drama on American, British, French, German and Italian screens. I suppose that's my fault for watching everything and not just film's that I am told to go and see.

No expert on the Slovenian film industry I guess it is not so big and I expect that they probably a)need to get this stuff out of their system and b)don't have a lot of public or private money to be very risky. No doubt Blind Spot picking up a number of awards around Europe will prick up the ears of some bright people at the Slovenian Cultural Ministry and help open up the coffers.

As for nicking off Frankenheimer's FRENCH CONNECTION 2, well I just watched Are We There Yet? and I just hope filmmakers in 25 years time are still nicking off Frankenheimer's FRENCH CONNECTION 2.

So my advice is to watch Blind Spot.

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL SLOVENIAN FILM INDUSTRY, IT'S THE ONLY ONE WE'VE GOT!!!