I do not use this blog to review movie experiences but Euphoria is so much more than that. This cinematographic masterpiece is stunningly unforgettable. Viewing this artistic triumph in the cavernous Park Avenue Armory left us speechless, sadly depressed yet slightly hopeful for the future.
This nearly two hour long multichannel film installation is a searing analysis of capitalism and the effects of individual greed within the world at large. Multiple points of view are presented but blunt criticism is evident and brilliantly depicted.
The film is a series of lengthy vignettes of widely diverse stylings. The messaging is not simply negative critiques. There is seriously thought provoking challenges offered to the viewer. The rush of contemplations overwhelm in the very best way.
It is probably best to not know too much but just to go. The main film is accompanied by five jazz drummers and the Brooklyn Youth Chorus, all in separate yet synchronized films. The music (Sammy Moussa) is intoxicating and illuminate the grander storytelling. You can sit, stand and walk around soaking in this thrilling piece of art. And you should since there are so many things to take in.
The dialogue, acting, direction and choreography are all extraordinary. These are thoughts and musings from a variety of sources including economists, business magnates, writers and celebrities. They are reinterpreted into scenes of realism and surrealism. As described on the website, “the result is a searing monument to the history of greed that asks seminal questions around the success and enduring legacy of entrepreneurship”. Euphoria came across to me as even more expansive than that.
Julian Rosefeldt is the creative filmmaker behind this utterly unique mind-blowing exercise. I saw his memorable previous installation in 2016 called Manifesto with Cate Blanchett. There are stylistic visual and thematic similarities in his work. Euphoria, however, is one of the greats, possibly of all time. What will the future bring for the next generations?
Euphoria is being presented through January 8, 2023 at the Park Avenue Armory. The installation is presented in a continuous loop so you can enter and exit anytime.