1,000 Times Good Night

1,000 Times Good Night is a 2013 drama film directed by Erik Poppe and features Juliette Binoche, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau and Lauryn Canny in the lead roles. The film revolves around the story of a war photographer who gets torn between her passion for photography and her responsibilities towards her family.

Juliette Binoche plays Rebecca, an internationally-renowned war photographer who is known for her intense and adventurous photography, often putting herself in great danger for the perfect shot. Rebecca is initially portrayed as a dedicated and brave woman who is willing to do whatever it takes to capture the horrors of war for the world to see.

However, her passion for photography becomes a source of conflict in her personal life when her husband Marcus (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) and two daughters express their concerns about her work. Her eldest daughter Steph (Lauryn Canny) is particularly affected by her mother's frequent trips to war-torn countries, and their relationship becomes strained as a result.

As the film progresses, we see Rebecca's inner turmoil as she struggles to balance her love for her family with her passion for photography. She is faced with a difficult decision when she realizes that her work has consequences beyond just capturing the moment - she has the power to decide what the world sees of a particular situation, and sometimes those images can have disastrous effects.

The film's strong point lies in the portrayal of Rebecca's internal struggle. Juliette Binoche delivers an exceptional performance, showcasing the inner turmoil of a woman who is torn between two worlds. We see her struggling with guilt and the weight of her decisions, but at the same time, unable to give up her passion for photography. Her relationship with her daughter Steph is particularly poignant, as both women struggle to understand each other's perspective.

The film's themes are heavy and thought-provoking, particularly the idea of the responsibility that comes with having power. The film raises important questions about the role of war photography in our society and the effects it can have on both the subjects being photographed and the people viewing those images.

The cinematography in the film is stunning, particularly during the war scenes. The filmmakers have effectively captured the chaos and brutality of war, leaving the viewers with a stark reminder of the devastating effects of man-made conflict. The juxtaposition of the beautiful photography and the harsh reality of war is powerful, highlighting the contrast between our comfortable Western lives and the horrors faced by people in war-torn countries.

The film's pacing, however, feels slow at times, with certain scenes going on longer than necessary. The dialogue can come off as being too heavy-handed, with the characters stating the film's themes outright rather than letting the audience interpret them on their own. This can make the film feel preachy at times, detracting from the impact of some of the more powerful scenes.

In conclusion, 1,000 Times Good Night is a thought-provoking film that raises important questions about the role of war photography in our society. It's a film that will leave viewers thinking long after they've watched it, and it features some incredible performances, particularly from Juliette Binoche. While it's not a perfect film and can be heavy-handed at times, it's definitely worth a watch.