Bruno Forzani and Hélène Cattet, the French duo behind Amer and Strange Color, return with their latest psychedelic thriller Reflection in a Dead Diamond. The film centers around John D., a retired spy played by Fabio Testi, who finds himself caught up in a conspiracy surrounding his neighbor and a diamond. But this is not just another Bond flick – it’s an exploration of memory loss, identity, and the blurred lines between reality and delusion.
Forzani and Cattet draw heavily from the James Bond mythology, but their approach is more experimental and introspective than traditional action-oriented fare. The film features a range of memorable scenes, including a thrilling car chase through European mountains and a bar fight that’s equal parts intense and stylish.
But beneath its surface-level spy thrills lies a more profound meditation on memory and identity. Forzani and Cattet use the James Bond franchise as a lens to examine what it means to remember – and how our memories shape us. The film’s title, Reflection in a Dead Diamond, is a metaphor for the fractured nature of human memory.
In an interview, Forzani explains that he and Cattet aim to create a “universal language” through their cinematography and editing. By blurring the lines between dialogue, sound, and image, they craft a film that’s both visually stunning and intellectually stimulating.
Cattet describes their approach as trying to “talk to the intuition of the spectator,” aiming to evoke an emotional response from the viewer. This is reflected in their use of metaphors, symbolism, and abstract imagery – all designed to create a sense of disorientation and unease.
Working together for 25 years, Forzani and Cattet are known for their intuitive collaboration, with each filmmaker completing the other’s sentences. This synergy allows them to tap into each other’s creative energies, resulting in films that are both personal and provocative.
As they delve deeper into the James Bond franchise, Forzani and Cattet reveal a complex web of themes and motifs – from the fear of being replaced textually to the anxiety of passing on an acting legacy. Their meta-commentary on Bond is both incisive and nuanced, refusing to be reduced to simple homages or spoofs.
Ultimately, Reflection in a Dead Diamond is a cinematic experience that rewards repeated viewings and introspection. By embracing its own complexity and ambiguity, Forzani and Cattet create a film that’s both thought-provoking and visually stunning – a true masterpiece of modern psychedelic cinema.
Source: https://thefilmstage.com