On the Map: Sally Potter is All the Rage

Sometimes after watching a movie trailer I have an immense desire to experience the film despite my having no real understanding of what it is about. The crispness of the three-minute preview of UK filmmaker Sally Potter's Rage has caused a pleasing chemical reaction in my brain, and after reading more about Potter's work, I am convinced a full viewing will be all the more pleasureful.

The strange yet intimate detachment presented by each of the characters through the disembodied dialogue creates a melancholic mood that is contrasted sharply by the bright and solidly colorful backdrops. We're shown just enough to pique our interest, but not enough to give anything away, not even a hint at a plot. This sensory cinematic experience calls to mind David Lynch, a man whose filmmaking is more viscerally cerebral than tangibly intellectual. Also similar to Lynch, Potter has pioneered a new film genre with Rage, which has been dubbed naked cinema. It's easy to see from where the name has been derived.

The all-star cast is another draw. Having the likes of acting luminaries such as Judi Dench, Dianne Wiest, Steve Buscemi, and John Leguizamo on board lends to Rage's credibility and intrigue. Somewhat of a surprise comes toward the end of the credits as Jude Law's presence is identified, and the ironic portrayal of a punk rock Krishna by Riz Ahmed, a Muslim, was an unexpected sight as well. Yes, this film should be interesting indeed.