MOVIES AT LA PLAZA: KAIROS-- Philosophy on the Air

Movie Review by Sergio Martinez

This Canadian film, directed by Jennifer Alleyn, offers an intriguing take on the subject in a minimalist style while tapping into the deep-seated roots of many of our anxieties, fears, and unfulfilled dreams. Set in Montreal, where we can recognize iconic landmarks such as the curved building at the corner of Sherbrooke and Jeanne-Mance, it introduces us to Manu (Emmanuel Schwartz), an actor with unfulfilled aspirations who, for lack of other opportunities, accepts a job as the host of a late-night radio show. This comes after other failed attempts, including the dubbing of a Polish film.

Manu begins by explaining to his audience the reason behind the show’s name: “Kairos,” a figure from Greek mythology representing a very special conception of time, distinct from the linear time represented by the god Cronos. At first, the show doesn’t seem to have much of an audience, even though he’s told that there are always people listening at those odd hours: taxi drivers, security guards, or just insomniacs. Eventually, calls from listeners begin to come in, and with them, the opportunity for Manu to engage in conversations ranging from the topic of suicide—focused on Albert Camus’s The Myth of Sisyphus (“what matters is the process, not the result,” the radio host will say)—to more mundane situations.

This journey through the various realms of philosophy will not be limited to exchanges with listeners, but will also involve Kiki (Olivia Palacci), the person in charge of technical operations during the program, who, at first, does not seem the friendliest person one could meet.

Kairos is a film that transports us into the intimate world of a man who, facing his own existential crisis, decides to share his loneliness with other solitary souls. On a winter night in Montreal—beautifully captured in Marc Simpson-Threlford’s cinematography—he delves with them into a series of philosophical questions that, in truth, can touch everyone. This film was originally made in French and is shown in some theatres with English subtitles. We strongly recommend it.

Runtime: 90 min.

CINE EN LA PLAZA: KAIROS—Filosofía por el micrófono

Comentario de Sergio Martínez

Este film canadiense, dirigido por Jennifer Alleyn, nos presenta una interesante propuesta en un tono minimalista, pero, a su vez, alude a las raíces profundas de muchas de nuestras ansiedades, temores y sueños irrealizados. Ambientado en un Montreal donde podemos reconocer lugares icónicos, como el edificio de líneas curvas en la esquina de Sherbrooke y Jeanne-Mance, nos presenta a Manu (Emmanuel Schwartz), un actor con aspiraciones frustradas que, a falta de otras oportunidades, acepta un trabajo como animador de un programa radial de trasnoche. Eso, después de otros intentos fallidos, incluido uno de doblaje en un film polaco.

Manu empieza por explicar a su audiencia el porqué del nombre del programa: “Kairos”, figura mitológica griega que representa una visión muy especial del tiempo, distinta del tiempo lineal representado por el dios Cronos. De primeras, el programa no parece tener mucha audiencia, a pesar de que le mencionan que siempre hay gente escuchando a esas extrañas horas: choferes de taxi, guardias de seguridad o simplemente personas que padecen insomnio. Eventualmente, las llamadas de los oyentes empiezan a llegar y, con ello, la posibilidad para Manu de envolverse en intercambios que abarcan desde el tema del suicidio, enfocado en el escrito del Mito de Sísifo de Albert Camus (“lo importante es el proceso, no el resultado”, dirá el animador radial), hasta situaciones más mundanas.

Este recorrido por las diversas esferas de la filosofía no se limitará a los intercambios con los radioescuchas, sino también con Kiki (Olivia Palacci), la persona encargada de los controles técnicos durante el programa, quien, al inicio, no se muestra como la persona más amistosa que uno pudiera encontrar.

Kairos es una película que nos traslada a un entorno íntimo de un hombre que, enfrentado a su propia crisis existencial, decide compartir su soledad con otras almas solitarias que, en la noche invernal de Montreal —muy bien retratada en la fotografía de Marc Simpson-Threlford—  incursiona con ellas en una serie de cuestiones filosóficas que en verdad, a todos puede tocar. Este film está originalmente en francés, se exhibe en algunos cines con subtítulos en inglés.

Duración: 90 min.

MOVIES AT LA PLAZA: HIT ME HARD AND SOFT-- The thoroughness of simplicity

Movie Review by Sergio Martinez

It's not easy to break away from the most common approach when making a film documenting one or more popular music concerts: the focus is primarily on the performers themselves, with little attention paid to the incidental elements that precede or accompany the performances. While the documentary's protagonist is Billie Eilish, this film departs from that traditional view to offer a broad perspective on both the artist and the atmosphere of the concert. Thus, while the performance itself stands out for its simplicity, expressed in both the artist's attire and the accompanying staging, the film, directed by veteran Canadian filmmaker James Cameron and the singer herself, details, in a highly original way, the preparation of the stage and the artist.

The camera work and the original framing of the scenes are particularly noteworthy, with some filmed from the audience's point of view. At times, a spectator's head passes in front of the camera, highlighting one of the aspects the artist has emphasized in her performances: her commitment to and connection with her audience. The film reflects this aspect very well in numerous scenes, in which, especially the artist's fans, express their feelings and what her music means to them.

Shot during Billie Eilish's concert in Manchester, as part of her tour, the film also presents the artist in various moments before the show, where she addresses different aspects of her career. Some of the points she emphasizes are her relationship with her audience, the type of songs she has created, and—a particularly interesting aspect—her stage presence. Unlike other singers who wear outfits that highlight their physical beauty with heavy body exposure, Billie appears dressed in an outfit that is too big for her. She doesn't believe it's necessary for an artist to show too much skin to succeed. A certainly interesting message from a young woman (currently 24) who is also quite beautiful. Regarding her stage movements, although she also has dance training, the singer doesn't make a big show of that skill and, at times, sings at the edge of the stage, very close to the audience, or, on other occasions, even lying down on a platform. What she does do—with a great display of energy—is run quite a bit during the performance, a stage which was extensive enough to offer a good view from different points in the auditorium.

The music the singer creates and performs is primarily soft rock, though she also explores harder themes. During the concert, one of the highlights was her performance with her brother Finneas. Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour (Live on 3D) is a film we certainly recommend, not only for her fans or rock lovers, but also for its excellent cinematography, innovative framing, and original scenes with Billie offstage. Incidentally, it should be noted that Billie is not only a unique performer but also a woman of great talent, as evidenced by her first major hit at 18 (Ocean Eyes). To date, along with her brother Finneas, she has won nine Grammy Awards and two Oscars for music for the films No Time to Die (2021) and Barbie (2024). As a young artist, she has also not shied away from political themes; During the 2024 presidential campaign, she became involved in promoting youth participation, a demographic often perceived as politically indifferent. Shortly after the election, she didn't hesitate to express her disappointment with the result on stage after a concert: "Someone who hates women so deeply is about to become president of the United States of America."

Running time: 154 min.