Tetro

Francis Ford Coppola as a director can be described in one word: badass. From The Godfather to Apocalypse Now, he has proven to be a master of multiple genres and multiple filming styles. In his latest film, Tetro, he returns to his dramatic epic roots and proves that he's still got it.

The movie is about a brother named Benjamin who goes to visit his brother, Angelo, renamed Tetro (played by Vincent Gallo). Determined to find out why the 20 yr older brother left him when he was little, Benjamin interjects himself into the life of his creative, cold, and misanthropic brother, and his girlfriend, Miranda. Digging into a past that is filled with rivalry, hatred, and dark family secrets, Benjamin learns more truths than he expected to find.

The movie's shot almost entirely in black and white with the flashbacks shot in color (kinda a reverse effect from the norm). The camera play with light, shadows, and fire is impressive and eerie. The first hour of the movie is confusing and seems to make no logical sense, making it kind of boring. But once the second half of the movie pick ups (almost at the exact middle of the movie), the story becomes very driving and interesting to watch unfold. Without the rather confusing and twisted beginning, the second half could pretty much not exist at all and wouldn't be anywhere near as amazing.

The movie is yet another brilliant piece that Coppola can proudly say is one of his own. It's only flaw being the confusing first half, this movie gets a 9/10.