Code Unknown

Michael Haneke's long takes and minimal use of music are masterfully done here in Code Unknown. I have to be honest, I'm a sucker for directors' earlier work, as it reveals so much about them, their ideas, and what they set out to achieve. Code Unknown leaves us questioning the codes we don’t know (literally) and the absence of morality. It leaves you with no answers, frustrated and challenged. The collections of unbroken long takes and abrupt cuts really showcase his directing style that’s rooted in realism. This is what I find so endearing about Haneke's films, and to me, it feels like true horror as we are constantly confronted with the grim actuality of life. We, as viewers, slowly become the observers, forced to reckon with our own reality. There is so much of Code Unknown that I really love, but I will have to come back to it another time for the next re-watch. I also might be a little bit biased, but watching it in 35mm makes me felt in love with this even more.