Sunday 3 August 2008

Rikos ja rangaistus (Crime and Punishment, 1983)

It would be a difficult task for any director, no matter how masterful, to succeed in transporting what is, for me, perhaps the greatest novel of all time. Kaurismaki decided to go for it with his first film, but also wisely opted to alter the story considerably, reducing the plot and modernising the action.

The result is instantly Kaurismakian, making use of his efficient shooting style and expressionless actors, which succeeds in reducing the complexities of the story into a parable. It means the novel isn't best represented but the story and themes are well understood, establishing a talented director.

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