The Greatest Showman #831: A Clear Stance

In the realm of artistic creation, there are works that provoke extreme reactions: as much as people may dislike them, they also find themselves captivated. Such works often find themselves at the center of intense controversy, swinging between praise and criticism. This is exactly the case with "Detachment", a film that has ignited a strong divide.

Can "Detachment" be considered one of those polarizing pieces of art? Only time will tell. However, what's certain is that the film has already attracted fierce reactions. On one hand, Entertainment Weekly's Lisa gave it a dismal score of 0.5/4, while on the other hand, Silver's Anthony awarded it an impressive 3.8/4.

These starkly contrasting ratings might seem childish, reminiscent of playground squabbles: "I like it," "I don't like it," "I dislike you," "I dislike you too." Both ratings seem extreme and unjustified, but within the context of the film's purpose, they are logical and fitting.

These critics have firmly expressed their stance on "Detachment", much like the reaction to many cult and art films throughout history. While the film's future and its place in history remain uncertain, it's clear that this divide between critics is a trend that's gaining momentum.

Apart from the "screen," there are eight other media outlets that have eagerly shared their positive opinions:

The New Yorker: 3.5/4

"No one mentions it, but I have to admit, this film reminded me of 'Life is Beautiful,' to some extent. Tony Kaye's portrayal of education's essential qualities—trust, patience, and empathy—is thought-provoking. Renly Hall's performance is comparable to that of Richard Dreyfuss, which should solidify his place as one of the best actors of his generation."

Empire: 3.2/4

"Renly Hall's three-point performance in 'Transcendence' deserves a standing ovation, and perhaps even a Best Actor award. The experience is truly unique, with Hall's performance taking the audience on a rollercoaster of emotions, especially as he navigates the crumbling Usher House."

Los Angeles Times: 3/4

"The film keeps you on edge, like a fist smashing into the air—raw and visceral. Some parts, such as the use of chalk and clip art, don't quite fit with the overall tone. However, Hall delivers an electrifying performance."

Us Weekly: 3/4

"Tony Kaye boldly explores the consequences of a disintegrating educational system, showing how students become disconnected and how teachers face their own breakdowns. Kaye's direction, paired with Renly Hall's performance, brings this theme to life."

Despite the praise, there is also significant criticism, with prominent media outlets offering their own sharp opinions. The competition between critics and the differing viewpoints highlights the growing intrigue surrounding this film. At the Berlin Film Festival, the film has caused a stir, generating debates that have enriched the festival's atmosphere.

Amid this fervor, The Hollywood Reporter's Michael Phillips weighed in last.

As a top-tier critic, Phillips' opinions carry significant weight. His review, which highlights Renly Hall's performance, encapsulates his admiration for the young actor:

"Renly Hall once again amazes. His performance in 'Transcendence' showcases his ability to deliver solid emotional depth, perfecting the character's emotional arc and connecting with the audience on a profound level."

Phillips goes on to praise the film's director, Tony Kaye, acknowledging his ambition. He explains, "People either love or hate Kaye's work, but no one can deny that it packs a powerful emotional punch, one that breaks through defenses and creates strong reactions."

Phillips highlights the film's commentary on the education system, not just focusing on family or school influences, but also on societal pressure. This thematic depth brings the story's personal struggles to a universal level.

As for Renly Hall's portrayal of Henry Bart, Phillips argues that Kaye's ambitious vision for the character could have fallen flat if the wrong actor had been cast. Hall's performance, with its cold, distant qualities, proves to be the perfect fit. His subtle, layered portrayal of the character evokes both the personal and societal struggles at play.

Phillips concludes by drawing a comparison between Hall's performance and Daniel Day-Lewis in There Will Be Blood, emphasizing how Hall's nuanced, somber portrayal makes the character truly unforgettable.

At the end of the review, Phillips once again praises Hall, recommending audiences revisit his earlier work, such as Crazy in Love, to appreciate his range.

In the midst of awards season, Phillips continues to advocate for Hall, offering a rare and valuable endorsement.

Ultimately, The Hollywood Reporter gave "Detachment" a score of 3.2/4. While this is not as high as other reviews, it still stands as the most favorable review the film received from major outlets at the Berlin Film Festival.

In the end, despite the mixed reactions, "Transcendence" has garnered a score of 2.3/4 from fifteen media outlets. While this isn't a glowing rating, it still places the film in the top rankings for the festival, coming in fourth behind Battlefield Wizard, Barbara, and Just the Wind. This strong mix of positive and negative reactions places "Detachment" in a curious position, one that promises to keep audiences intrigued for some time.