No Drama in The Ground Spider: Is Gaspar Noé Feeling Self-Reflective?'

Gaspar Noé's films are often associated with chaos, violence, and despair. From the still-debated sexual violence of Irréversible (2002) to the dance apocalypse contained inside of Climax (2018), his work is not known for its gentle or humanistic qualities. So, it may come as a surprise to some that Vortex, his latest film, has been described by many as his most compassionate work yet.

On the surface, Vortex appears to be a mundane and ordinary film about an elderly couple struggling with health issues. The husband, played by Dario Argento (of Suspiria fame), is taking medication for his heart condition, while his wife, Françoise Lebrun, is in the advanced stages of dementia. However, as one delves deeper into the film, it becomes clear that Noé's work still plays exclusively in the key of chaos and despair.

Noé's debut, I Stand Alone (1998), was a psychological drama that warned viewers to leave the cinema before he unleashed its full brutality. And while Vortex may appear more subdued at first glance, it is still a film that explores themes of mortality, decay, and desperation. The husband's medication and his wife's dementia serve as a backdrop for a deeper exploration of the human condition.

Despite this, there are moments in Vortex where Noé shows restraint, allowing the audience to connect with the characters on a more emotional level than usual. However, even these tender moments are still tempered by Noé's signature craggy edge, which is always lurking beneath the surface.

Overall, while Vortex may not be as overtly dramatic or violent as some of Noé's other films, it still retains his distinct brand of cinematic chaos and despair. And for those who have come to expect a certain level of brutality from the filmmaker, this may come as a disappointment. However, for those willing to look beyond the surface, Vortex offers a complex and thought-provoking exploration of the human condition.

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