35 Shots of Rum (Denis, 2008): Mini-Film Review

35 Shots of Rum (2008), directed by Claire Denis, depicts a father-daughter bond in today's Paris. The father, a widower, is a subway driver who returns from work each night looking forward to the simple pleasure of having dinner with his daughter, a college anthropology student. The film reminds one of Biutiful (Iñárritu, 2010), as it traces the lives of residents in a European metropolis, yet it's pacing is in line with an Ozu film. On first glance, one might feel that little happens in the story; yet the diurnal rhythms on display here open up an entire psychological world worth reflection.

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Actor Alex Descas and director Claire Denis at the 65th Venice Film Festival