Schrader on ‘Pacifiction’

David Fincher already raved about Albert Serra’s brilliant “Pacifiction.” He recently confided to Brad Pitt his love for the film:

“David Fincher is pretty tough. In twenty years, I must have seen him about five times happy to see a film. Meaning he doesn't like anything. He said to me: 'this guy doesn't like anything, but Pacifiction, he loved it'”

The film has this incredible performance from Benoît Magimel, who won the lead actor César for this film, his second in two years and the third of Magimel’s career.

Now Paul Schrader has chimed in on the film and it’s a strange reaction. He liked it, but it seems like it was a chore to sit through:

PACIFICATION. Graham Greene meets Slow Cinema. 163 minute meditation on Polynesia, colonial tourism and the beauty of light. A continual soundscape of drones, pads, accents and tidal sfx. There's a plot in there somewhere but it's in the wind. One of those films where you think "when is this going to end?" and then when it does end you're glad you stuck it out. Directed by Albert Serra.

This checks out with what many readers have written to me about the film. It polarizes, but if you manage to gel into its wavelength then it becomes a very memorable experience.

In my review, dated 02.12.23, I wrote:

“To describe the plot of “Pacifiction” is nearly impossible. It has something to do with a top ranking French official (an incredible Benoit Magimel) in the Polynesian Islands, the High Commissioner of the Republic. Very strange things start to happen to him, all seemingly revolving around rumors of the French conducting nuclear testing near the island.”

“Will the masses love “Pacifiction”? Of course not. It’s a slow-as-molasses 165-minute statement from Serra whose not in uncharted territory here. After all, this is the director behind “The Death of Louis XI,” and “Liberte,” two impenetrable, but painterly statements.”

I’m not saying every reader of this site will love Albert Serra’s transfixing film, but please do give it a shot, maybe it’ll cast its spell on you the way it has others. If that does happen then it’s an experience you won’t soon forget.

“Pacifiction” had its world premiere at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival. It won zero awards, but that was to be expected. It’s now available on VOD.