“What is the triangle of sadness?” someone might ask with a frown. To make it clear, the term (in English: triangle of sadness) refers precisely to the wrinkles that form between the eyebrows and that become more evident, for example, when making gestures of surprise, anger or concern. The film of the same name brings it up from the first minutes, when a modeling professional receives an indication to relax that area of the face in order to hide the folds of the skin; imperfections that some choose to hide for reasons of beauty, this being often the key to success.
In The triangle of sadness, appearance is what allows its sensual protagonists to earn a living and move in the upper echelons of society. On the other hand, could it be that director Ruben Östlund’s own feature film used mere appearances to appear in the awards season and obtain the prestigious Palme d’Or?
This Oscar-nominated film 2023 (Best Picture, Direction and Original Screenplay) easily manages to attract attention through the hot topics it touches on; among them, the fashion industry, gender roles, the rise of influencers, the dilemmas and ironies around masculinity and the advantages of being physically attractive. In addition, The triangle of sadness he composes a merciless satire that lashes out at those who get the most juice from the capitalist lemon; lacking in conscience and empathy, locked in a bubble of opulence that Östlund is not afraid of bursting with the same impetus with which vomit emerges from the mouths of sick diners.
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However, despite the spiciness of its ingredients, the film becomes the equivalent of a frustrating three-course meal that gradually disenchants the palate. Honoring the title, 3 is the number of chapters in which The triangle of sadness split your story. And by far the first one is the one that keeps this ship afloat. There we meet Carl, a young model with a career in decline, and his girlfriend Yaya, a prestigious model and influencers who earns much more money than him.
In this inaugural chapter, the monetary question unleashes a heated discussion between both protagonists; 25 minutes that work perfectly, almost with the autonomy of a short film. They offer a fascinating look at the concerns that overwhelm women and men within the modeling industry and a society that imposes strict rules on where each one belongs.
Based on some of Östlund’s statements, it is valid to suspect that this was the story he really wanted to tell; inspired by his partner’s experiences and anecdotes around the world of fashion that reached his ears. The incisive narration in this chapter also enjoys the great chemistry between Harris Dickinson and the model Charlbi Dean, who died prematurely in August of last year, but managed to give us with Yaya a character full of nuances and authenticity.
Continue reading: The triangle of sadness – Criticism of the Oscar-nominated film and where to see it
Now, the fluctuations of The triangle of sadness They begin in their second chapter. Starting with Carl and Yaya boarding a luxury yacht, the film turns the spotlight on a peculiar group of wealthy vacationers; people with nefarious attitudes and whims that in a jiffy make the public stop caring about their well-being. And what better, because as soon as the boat enters a very foreseeable crisis situation, this privileged class —which intended to enjoy a pleasant evening on the high seas— is condemned to bathe in its own filth, victim of the cruelty of the camera and the script. .
Speaking specifically of the segment that illustrates a chaotic gala dinner, the way in which Östlund amasses an enjoyable combination of black, absurd and scatological humor without falling into bad taste is plausible. Her staging also brings together the ideal elements to emulate the imbalance and instability of a ship headed for catastrophe. But a big problem of this second chapter of The triangle of sadness it’s that his satire lacks enough wit and wit to at least spare himself the lackluster speech of a Marxist ideologue berating wealthy and panicked passengers from a loudspeaker. Was the sermon really necessary?
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In the third and last part of the film, it seems that the director finally clarifies a point. In short, it doesn’t matter if the table is turned and those below take power; the risk of being corrupted will prevail and physical attractiveness will still mean special treatment, although not necessarily dignified. But regardless of any interpretation, it is already difficult to see something deserving of praise in the visual, in the way of narrating and in the follow-up done to characters that have become too superficial. At this point, neither Carl nor Yaya manage to save themselves.
So, with hits and misses alike, it seems that this film has divided and will continue to divide opinions. Along with the fact that there are those who applaud her and outline her for the highest recognitions in the world of cinema, surely there are also many who react with unfavorable feelings, only perceptible in the triangle of sadness engraved on their foreheads.
Where to see the movie in Mexico?
for platforms of streaming, The triangle of sadness is currently available in the Prime Video catalog.
Antonio G. Spindola I have very bad memory. Out of solidarity with my memories, I choose to lose myself too. Preferably in a movie theater.