Margaret

"Because – this isn't an opera. And we are not all supporting characters to the drama of your amazing life." There is so much in this film that if I go deep enough, I'll lost my way of words in attempt of describing it's beauty. The post 9/11 depression and PTSD among american youth and how it changed an entire generation has been vehemently talked about in many mediums but no matter how bold it sounds I've never seen anything like this before – which not just touching on the previous issue but goes above and beyond in constructing a character study in form of coming of age structure – but at the same time rebuilt the whole mechanism of storytelling in fashion that'll leave you in awe. Also the sound designing might easily be in the absolute bests of this century, period. Every shot is arranged as a symphonic orchestra which is covered in a radiant threnody. The melancholic drama surrounds the writing and helps it grow. The super slow motion used in various places makes it easy to slip into the scenes and absorb it's juice completely. The camera literally admires and falls in love with what it's shooting, best seen in the following scene on terrace – "I love this view" It almost has one of the most unlikable protagonists on film screen ever. High on her own world, not caring about any of the persons revolving her life – but again in the accident she cared the most – though there were other people affected by that accident too as evidently shown by camera zooming in on every pedestrian. There is a whole world outside our own life and this is something to be learnt as soon as possible. Lonergan does an amazing job in this multiple times by showing other people's lives before, after or even during the conversations of the major characters in the movie itself. The beauty of irony and contradictions is nothing to sneeze at – one great example might be the coffee table scene when before jumping into the protagonist's conversation we witness many other lives. All an all Margaret is one of the most honest depictions of trauma, guilt and grief I've seen in a long time. Kenneth has a command on his craft and I believe this one is his absolute masterpiece. I'm shattered and I cried, the emotions are not in control. I hope more people out there witness it. Note: This review was for the extended version.