A Norwegian-made, English-language film set in Ireland, Kenya and Afghanistan, and starring French luminary Juliette Binoche, would seem to wear its internationalism on its sleeve. Yet globe-trotting, at least to war zones, forms the central conflict in “A Thousand Times Goodnight,” Erik Poppe’s gripping tale of a dedicated photojournalist torn between passionate involvement with her work and commitment to her worried family. Deftly sidestepping both melodrama and family-values messaging, Poppe imbues the film with enormous emotional resonance, brilliantly grounded by his leading lady. The absence of subtitles and the presence of Binoche should open global arthouse doors for this Montreal fest grand prizewinner.
I have a collection of books and dvds by war photographers and journalists. I began reading their stories, perhaps, because if I had known of this work I think I would have been drawn to it.
Possibly motivated by the same things that appear to motivate those who actually go out there ... the idea that if the truth were known, some things might change, other things couldn't happen.
But I didn't find out in time and so I read and watch their stories unfold when I can.
I enjoyed the movie, 'A Thousand Times Goodnight, intensely.
You get a small glimpse of the film in the music video below. There's not too many spoilers, as the movie is used out of sequence but Ane Brun wrote the song for the movie ... I find it exquisite.
And there's an interview over here, with Juliette Binoche.