Watch Manifesto
- NR
- 2017
- 2 hr 10 min
-
6.5 (7,332)
Manifesto is a 2015 experimental film directed by Julian Rosefeldt and starring Academy Award-winning actress Cate Blanchett in thirteen different roles. The film is a visual and intellectual feast that explores the nature of art, politics, and society through the lens of thirteen different manifestos from various artists, writers, and architects of the 20th century.
The film is divided into thirteen segments, each of which features Blanchett playing a different character who recites a particular manifesto from a different period in history. The film opens with Blanchett playing a homeless man who delivers a passionate and poetic manifesto about the importance of art and individuality. From there, the film jumps between different characters and manifestos, including a newsreader who delivers a Dadaist manifesto, a punk rocker who spouts a nihilistic creed, and a scientist who espouses a futurist vision of the role of technology in society.
Throughout the film, Rosefeldt uses Blanchett's incredible range as an actress to breathe life into these manifestos, transforming the words on the page into living, breathing characters. Each section of the film is shot in a different location, often featuring stunning cinematography and striking visual imagery. The effect is both mesmerizing and disorienting, drawing the viewer into a world that is at once familiar and alien.
One of the most impressive things about Manifesto is the way it manages to weave together such disparate voices and ideas into a cohesive whole. Despite the fact that the film features thirteen different manifestos, each with its own unique style and perspective, the film feels remarkably unified. This is in large part due to Blanchett's performance, which manages to capture the underlying through-lines between each of the manifestos, highlighting the common themes and ideas that unite them.
At its core, Manifesto is a film that celebrates the power of language and ideas. Throughout the film, we see these manifestos in action, as they are used to rouse crowds, inspire movements, and change the course of history. Rosefeldt is clearly fascinated by the power of these words, and his film serves as a powerful testament to their enduring relevance and impact.
Despite its experimental nature and challenging subject matter, Manifesto is an incredibly engaging and thought-provoking film. Blanchett's performances are all fantastic, and the film is filled with striking visuals and beautiful imagery. While it may not be a film for everyone, those who are willing to engage with its ideas and explore its many layers and meanings will find themselves rewarded with a truly unforgettable cinematic experience.
Manifesto is a 2017 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 10 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5 and a MetaScore of 72.