The Good, The Bad and The Critic

Established on March 19th, 2012 and pioneered by film fanatic Michael J. Carlisle. The Good, The Bad and The Critic will analyze classic and contemporary films from all corners of the globe. This title references Sergei Leone's influential spaghetti western The Good, The Bad and the Ugly.

Sunday, December 25, 2022

Triangle of Sadness (2022) Review

Title: Triangle of Sadness
Year: 2022
Director: Ruben Ostlund
Country: Sweden
Language: English



One of my favorite filmmakers is Luis Bunuel. I love how his pictures, specifically Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie (1971) dissect class in a satirical and absurd way. Ruben Ostlund explores similar territory in very unsubtle, yet hilarious ways in Triangle of Sadness. The picture is a treasure; it's a much needed jolt of cinema as society is slowly coming out of the pandemic. 


Celebrity model couple, Carl (Harris Dickinson) and Yaya (Charlbi Dean), are invited on a luxury cruise for the uber-rich, helmed by an unhinged boat captain (Woody Harrelson). 


Triangle of Sadness is a shot of madness; it's a remarkably entertaining satire that allows a tremendous amount of enjoyment in mocking the rich & dismantling our odd societal structures. It takes familiar ideas (see: Lord of the Flies) and catapults them into uncharted territory. Though the themes may not be original takes, the script uses them in clever and creative ways.


This movie has one of the most outrageous, memorable 30 minute scenes you'll see in the entirety of film history. It left me amused, bewildered and delighted. Triangle of Sadness is incredibly well made, featuring tremendous cinematography, excellent acting and a script that is completely off the rails. This is a weird movie. 


Triangle of Sadness won the Palm D'or at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival and I can certainly see why. It is an absurd piece of social commentary. Some may not enjoy the over-the-top message, but I am all for it

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