Richmond Film Society

Synopsis

Jonathan Glazer’s haunting, Oscar-winning drama centres on the life of Rudolf Höss, the commandant of Auschwitz, and his wife Hedwig (Sandra Hüller), as they live a seemingly idyllic life right next to the infamous concentration camp. The film presents a chilling juxtaposition between the horrors of the Holocaust and the comfortable, insulated existence of the Höss family. As they go about their daily lives - gardening, hosting family gatherings and tending to their children - we are acutely aware of the unimaginable atrocities occurring the other side of the wall.

The film refrains from showing any of the violence directly, focusing instead on the eerie detachment of the characters. The banality of their daily routines emphasises the psychological horror, as they remain indifferent or wilfully blind to the suffering on just the other side of their garden wall.

Themes of moral blindness, complicity and desensitisation to atrocity run deep, questioning how individuals can live ordinary lives whilst atrocities unfold in the background. The film’s slow, atmospheric pacing and deliberate framing (with cameras often placed at some distance from the actors) enhance the tension, as does the extraordinary sound track - described by Glazer "the other film" and "arguably, the film”. These innovative features, together with the restrained performances of the leads, combine to make the moral questions raised all the more unsettling.

The Zone of Interest received five Oscar nominations, including for Best Picture, eventually winning two: for Best Sound and for Best International Feature - a first for a UK non-English language film.

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Location

Richmond Film Society, The Exchange, 75 London Road , Twickenham, TW1 1BE

Synopsis

RFS’s World Cinema Classic for Season 61 is Le Samouraï. Directed by Jean-Pierre Melville, this 1967 neo-noir thriller follows Jef Costello (Alain Delon), a meticulous and solitary hitman who lives by a strict code of honour, akin to that of a samurai. After executing a nightclub owner, Jef carefully crafts his alibi, but a series of witnesses, including the club’s pianist, complicates his escape. Despite his best efforts, the police, led by a determined commissioner, grow suspicious of him, tightening the noose around his carefully controlled life.

As Jef navigates through a web of lies and deceit, both the law and his employers - who now view him as a liability - close in. He must somehow outsmart both forces whilst sticking to his rigid personal code. The film’s spare dialogue and moody, atmospheric style emphasise Jef’s isolation, giving the audience a sense of his inner turmoil despite his outward calm.

Thematically, the film explores existential loneliness, honour, and the inevitability of fate. In a world where where loyalty is fleeting and death is ever-present, the film’s minimalist aesthetic and use of silence amplify the tension and underscore the themes of isolation and inevitability.

Whilst not widely decorated upon its release, the film has since been recognised as a classic of the genre, inspiring numerous directors and films in the crime and thriller genres. Recently departed, Alain Delon’s iconic performance cemented his place as a defining figure in French cinema.

The film will be introduced by Jon Davies, a tutor in French Cinema and an Associate of the British Film Institute. Jon hosted the popular monthly 'French Impressions’ screenings locally at Watermans for over twenty years and, following the closure of the centre, he will be resuming the monthly Saturday afternoon screenings at The Chiswick Cinema from 11 January 2025. See https://www.frenchcinema.info/courses for details.

Additional Info

Location

Richmond Film Society, The Exchange, 75 London Road , Twickenham, TW1 1BE

Synopsis

Monster is the latest film from one of RFS’ favourite directors, Hirokazu Koreeda. Season 60 opened with Broker and the society have previously screened six of his earlier films, including Shoplifters, After the Storm, Like Father Like Son and I Wish.

Monster is a psychological drama that provides no easy answers, deploying a Rashomon-style effect to repeat scenes from different and often contradictory viewpoints. It centres on the lives of a mother, Saori, and her young son, Minato, who begins exhibiting troubling behaviour after a series of incidents at school. Concerned and suspecting abuse from Minato’s teacher, Mr. Hori, Saori confronts the school administration, demanding answers. The narrative cleverly shifts perspectives, revealing different sides of the story through the eyes of the mother, the teacher and Minato himself, whilst we must not overlook Yori, Minato’s bosom friend.

As the layers of the story unfold, the film delves into the complexities of truth, misunderstanding and the unseen emotional struggles that shape each character's actions. Themes of bullying, parental love, and the fragile nature of childhood innocence take centre stage, as the film slowly builds towards a poignant revelation. What initially appears to be a straightforward tale of misconduct and blame turns into a nuanced exploration of human connection and the misinterpretations that can arise from incomplete perspectives. As some have remarked, the story is constructed like a kaleidoscope.

The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, where it won both the Best Screenplay and the Queer Palm awards. It also earned critical acclaim for its powerful performances. Soya Kurokawa’s portrayal of Minato is particularly striking, anchoring the film’s exploration of childhood trauma, while Sakura Ando’s performance brings depth to the theme of a mother’s fierce determination to protect her child. Not only was it a Cannes winner but it acquired many, many other awards and nominations internationally. All fully justified.

The film will be introduced by Dr Jon Hackett, Senior Lecturer in Film and Television at
Brunel University. Jon has provided excellent introductions for RFS for several films in recent years.

Additional Info

Location

Richmond Film Society, The Exchange, 75 London Road , Twickenham, TW1 1BE

Synopsis

This contemplative drama follows Hirayama, a content and solitary man who works as a public toilet cleaner in Tokyo. Despite the simplicity of his job, Hirayama finds deep satisfaction in his daily routines - cleaning, listening to music, and observing the world around him. His life appears uneventful, but there’s a quiet beauty in his appreciation for the small details of everyday life, from nature to the passing interactions he has with others.

As the film progresses, glimpses of Hirayama's past and the emotional depth behind his solitude are revealed through chance encounters and brief moments of connection with people from his personal history. These interactions add subtle layers to his character, hinting at a more complex emotional landscape beneath his calm exterior.

The film’s exploration of themes like simplicity, contentment and the human need for connection is both meditative and profound. It emphasises how joy can be found in routine and solitude, as well as how unresolved emotional wounds can shape a person’s life in quiet ways. Koji Yakusho delivered a masterful, understated performance as Hirayama, earning him the Best Actor award at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival.

Last featuring at RFS in Season 60 with Wings of Desire, Wim Wenger’s Perfect Days was critically acclaimed and was Oscar-nominated for the Best International Feature Film.

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Location