In the City of Sylvia
Dir: José Luis Guerín
2007
**
I like minimalist cinema. When the director, actors and cinematographer etc can tell a story of a thousand words with the subtlest of gestures it can be a wonderful thing. In the City of Sylvia is just a collection of nicely composed scenes starring ex-models. Strasbourg is a beautiful City, so it's hard not to appreciate the films visuals but that is all there is to it. The script is non-existent, I have no problem with that but in this case it is a cop out. There is nothing of quality, depth or intelligence here. No magic, no statement, no thought and for me, no enjoyment. Most importantly though, there is no passion. We are lead to believe that our protagonist is a dreamer, a voyager, a searcher and a lover but stick him in a pair of white underpants and you've got yourself a sub-standard Calvin Klein advert, nothing more.  I admire a nice City, a pretty Girl and good composition but good cinema requires more.