PANOS H. KOUTRAS

Bil’s rating (out of 5):  BB

Original title:  Alithini Zoi

Greece/France, 2004.  Program 33, Argonauts Productions S.A., FilmNet, Greek Film Center, Hellenic Radio & Television, PPV Athens, Strada Productions.  Screenplay by Panos Evagellidis, Panos H. Koutras.  Cinematography by Elias Kostandakopoulos.  Produced by Fabrice Coat, Panos Papahadzis, Athena Sakellariou.  Music by Michalis Delta.  Production Design by Panayiotis Hadjistefanou.  Costume Design by Panayiotis Hadjistefanou.  Film Editing by Elissavet Chronopoulou.  

Ah the life of the bourgeoisie, so stylish, so fancy, so incestuously corrupt. This time the setting is Athens as prodigal son Aris returns home to his vampish mother after his millionth car accident. Aris strikes up a relationship with a beautiful clothing store employee whom he has no idea is actually the sister of the drug dealer who’s been in love with him for years and used to supply him before Aris went clean. Our young hero has an even headier purpose for his return to Athens, however:  he wants to find out what happened to his late father who died under mysterious circumstances decades earlier. It’s got some stylish camera angles, and a weird moment of fantasy involving a giant flying fish, but the script is wooden and the human relationships are handled amateurishly by director Panos Koutras.  Performances are strong despite the weak trappings, but overall it’s a crummy experience.

Toronto International Film Festival:  2004