EXOTICA (1994) - ♦♦♦♦♦

Directed by - Atom Egoyan

Written by - Atom Egoyan

Starring - Bruce Greenwood, Elias Kostas, Don McKellar

"EXOTICA is arguably the film that put ATOM EGOYAN on the map and established his unique style, showcasing many of the elements that would define especially the first part of his filmography. 

The film revolves around the atmospheric and sensual bar in which the lives of three characters in particular meet. It is there that Eric, DJ and MC, watches his girlfriend perform her exotic dances nightly, jealously and keeping an eye on any customer who might give her any extra attention. He is especially troubled by one named Thomas, who in the meatime is going through his own drama, and who seems to be obsessed by her and requests a dance from her nightly. 

The story in EXOTICA is intricate but never to a confusing or excessive extent. This is very admirable, considering the fact that EGOYAN also allows himself the luxury of telling it in a non-chronological order. But he does so with such care and attention, that it adds great mystery, where the emotional development of the characters as well as the narrative itself comes together like a jigsaw. 

It is defined by its tone and mood. The sophicticated and fluid camera movement, toegther with the sense enhancing sound editing and a beautiful art direction, make the film feel operatic. They also encourage a dreamlike tone and flirtations with surrealism, which sometime recall the best works by DAVID LYNCH. Yet, it is very original, especially in its dealings with its psychological aspects, that are just as excitingly absorbing as the rest of the film. 

It plays a lot with all aspects of sexuality, which makes it seem Freudian. But it also does so deceptfully. While it is true that this film is very sexually charged, it almost feels like a deceit, and as the film progresses, the viewer gradually becomes more and more aware of the human side of the tale."

Thriller, Canada