flickdog-1

I was pleasantly shocked when I saw this show. I expected the usual late night fare, but instead both of the first two episodes of Femme Fatales featured fun, fast-paced stories, recognizable actors, really nice production values, and great entertainment value, along with a heavy dose of sex and nudity. Unlike a previous reviewer, I think adding more sex would just ruin the pacing and make this just another late night show. As it is, it's a big step up into the big leagues of real programming for Cinemax. If this is indicative of what's coming from Cinemax in the future, I'll start watching the channel regularly. For now, I'll definitely be watching more of Femme Fatales.

Full of luscious imagery, interesting ideas, arresting and amusing performances, and stylized dialogue which constantly delights, The Dark Arc is a real treat. Or utter torture for those who are narrow-minded in their film tastes or just can't plug into it's off-beat vibe. Zuckovic is the rare filmmaker whose work is truly original and not derivative of anything. His approach is one of risk and experimentation, which means that some whose heads it flies above will claim it is a disaster. They couldn't be more wrong. It disturbs me that people whose level of criticism doesn't rise above name-calling and simple-minded pejoratives might be allowed to write for supposedly respectable journals like Film Comment. I'd bet that if the previous "reviewer" had ANY kind of career in film, cobbled together or otherwise, he wouldn't be wasting his and our time posting insult-laden tirades that contain no insight or analysis. He'd be making films, and probably ones much worse than the ones he attacks. Mindless ripping is the province of the frustrated and untalented. Thank the stars this type doesn't get to determine who is or is not allowed to make films. This particular effort is not for everyone, but I'd suggest that anyone interested in the different and the challenging give it a try. You'll be glad you did.