Masterpiece
Masterpiece
Directed by Rohhit B. Kumaar | Review by Moumita Deb
Unfolding a horrifying parable about pedophilia, Masterpiece initiates a strong and vehement attack on such parasites of society, as the artist, in his canvas of isolation, tries to paint one last masterpiece, with the rising hatred and unquenched vengeance corresponding to the increasingly insane canvas on his easel. May be judged the director’s most personal film, it casts the final cinematic image of a submissive, ossifying, resolutely un-heroic painter. He only connects to the world through a twisted obsession with his work and the surreal world in which he exists(his own creation designed to entice and intrigue him), emerging into the ruthless killer of one who is the victim of his own worst nature (, a film that writhes around gloriously in the darkest recesses of the psyche.)
Perhaps the most brilliant twist of all in this bold film, though, is the director’s establishment of a tone of creeping dread, which he does so skilfully that even when we discover the mystery does not have the supernatural aspect that’s been teased for so long. We’re so far down the rabbit hole of the pedophile’s perverse psychology that we’re pretty much haunted anyway. Suddenly consumed by a crushing existential sadness, that the movie suggests the subconscious fury he feels on the realization of what the little girl is subjected to. Rhythmically enigmatic, gorgeously elusive and intensely suggestive, underneath all the expressive mood, lies a deeply moving and thought-provoking picture that compels you to think. This is indeed from all perspective a film that is all about real people, real problems, and real life, all drawn from our own experiences."
Like a beautifully crafted revenge story, it offers nonstop thrill with its gonzo influenced violence as we witness the chaos unfolding in front of our eyes. From sequence to sequence it consistently displays a significant amount of technical style from the chases to the dialogues all the way to gory details, it spares us nothing and leaves nothing to our imagination, Films of this genre often go under the radar but this one should be praised, it delivers on so many levels. A thriller that churns a river of blood It was surprisingly violent and the revenge part provided cathartic satisfaction to a great extent. With its unequivocal title Masterpiece, is a retaliation thriller both tautly controlled and wildly over-the-top, executed with flashy style, and an underground child sensibility that will make genre fans squeal and squirm. The complex and the children’s park with its uncanny ambiance, its neon-colored glass terrace doors providing woozy filters, fantastically set in the mood for bloody violence begging for a bloodbath.
The intricate plot structure is the result of a fierce conflict, with reserves of strength and mental focus that no amount of blood loss can extinguish. The young girl’s presentation of herself as a sensual plaything means that men feel entitled to objectify and dehumanize her makes her a fitting prey who can be most casually deceived by being allured with chocolates. The gripping suspense unfolds layer by layer with the masterstroke of the director as the plot advances taking the viewers in his magical grip. And culminates into an inevitable showdown between the painter and the little girl’s mysterious uncle. Shot with muscular agility, sizzling colors of a blood-drenched canvas and lots of virtuoso tracking sequences, and fuelled by a fatal instinct to bring about divine justice; Masterpiece is nothing if not relentless. Those who go with its splashy, heralding of death and an end to exploitation, will have a viciously good time. Will it stoke the usual arguments about graphic violence in response to child abuse being just another form of exploitation? Sure. But it has a girl child at the helm for once also gives a specific license for excess of heightening melodrama.
One of the film's most heart-breaking scenes has the child sitting in a swing, playing with her teddy. There's such a curious mixture of a thrill and excitement that sheer innocence brings in. The girl child, however, is not objectified but has free will throughout, lives in the moment and improvises. There is certain fascination in the violent situation as it unfolds and eventually terminates into. It is a compelling film. Although I may be concerned about how some audience members may react to it, I cannot penalize it based on my speculations about their own feelings. Seen as a film, seen as acting and direction, seen as just exactly how it unfolds on the screen, "Masterpiece" is effectively well steeped in reality and is sure to leave a lasting impression on all and sundry.
Moumita is a Kolkata based independent filmmaker and film critic. She holds a post- graduation degree in English literature from Jadavpur University. Reading novels of a wide range of authors of all genres from classic to contemporary has always been Moumita’s passion and calling. She also takes a strong liking in playing the Spanish guitar & has participated in quite a few concerts. Moumita has done her certification course in Cinematography, Video Editing and Filmmaking.
