2046

Wong Kar-Wai's loose-ish sequel to 'In the Mood For Love'. Part science fiction, part straightforward fiction, it is slow, and utterly incomprehensible if one had not seen 'In The Mood For Love'. It remains, however, a more than decent film, if lacking the wonderful drive and rythm of his predecessors.
Tony Leung's character is less sympathetic, but remains fascinating. Perhaps he becomes rather too unlikable, but if one constantly keeps 'In The Mood' in mind then he remains as an interesting figure. It can sometimes nearly go over the edge insofaras he seems so distant from the previous character; yet it remains a fascinating switch.
The pace is slow and dreamy. We do not have dramatic changes, it is thoughtful and at times can suffer from living at a level of abstraction (the science-fiction scenes). This does not mean that the themes are not fascinating, personal and important. When it does come together, as it does at moments towards the end, the quiet crescendos shock the ears.
Even when rather slight and drifting, the beauty of the cinematography and mis-en-scene remains. Kar-Wei does not so much shoot images as displays the movement of camerawork across colours and layers. This is a more erotic film, which is an interesting move, that spasmodically pays off. It remains the reds, the contrasts, the dark hair and the porcelain skins, that though remain to give the polished, almost music-video beauty. But slower.
'2046' is a rather meandering film to stand on its own, but as a compnaion piece is a worthwhile addition. It has a few moments of lack of drive, but overall it is able to acheieve a powerful whole.