Hélène Cattet and Bruno Forzani’s latest film “Reflection in a Dead Diamond” premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival. The 87-minute movie is a fast-paced homage to retro film styles, especially horror and 60s/70s Euro-thrillers. The Brussels-based filmmakers are known for their extreme cinematic language.
They use hyper-fragmented editing and refuse to follow traditional storytelling methods. “Reflection in a Dead Diamond” has a non-linear narrative about a 70-year-old man named John, played by Italian star Fabio Testi. John lives in a fancy hotel on the French Riviera and pays for his room with diamonds.
The film jumps back and forth between John’s current life and his memories as a young superspy in the 1960s, portrayed by Yannick Renier. In his spy days, John had to protect an important man named Marcus Strand, played by Koen de Bouw. Strand was linked to a crucial future energy source.
John worked with a femme fatale partner, acted by Céline Camara, who had a mirrored dress she used as a weapon and recording device.
Debut at Berlin International Film Festival
Things get more complex with the appearance of Serpentik, a ninja-like agent played by Thi Mai Nguyen.
Serpentik seems to be a mix of all the women John has known. The story blends elements of spy thrillers, comics, photo-novels, and jumbled memories from pop culture. The movie bombards the senses with repeating, distorting, and changing images.
Diamonds sparkle on skin and razor-sharp objects slice through various materials. The film’s flow is disrupted by freeze-frames, abrupt cuts, sudden drawings and photos, and bold colors. The sound design mimics dance music, especially in a fight scene with Serpentik.
Despite the impressive technical work by the cinematographer, editor, sound editor, and production designer, the movie can be tiring to watch. It feels less like a unified film and more like a series of disconnected storyboards. “Reflection in a Dead Diamond” will likely only appeal to Cattet and Forzani’s most dedicated fans due to its intense and repetitive style.