The Square
Cert 15, 151 minutes, in cinemas 16 March Starring: Claes Bang, Elisabeth Moss, Dominic West Director: Ruben Ostlund
THE PLOT Christian (Bang), a chief art curator at a prestigious Stockholm museum, ends up in a foolish conflict after his mobile phone is stolen, just as he’s about to unveil a radical new exhibit about altruism.
WHAT’S RIGHT WITH IT? The film’s rather ample running time includes a number of wildly memorable scenes, not least the intervention of a bare-chested, animalistic performance artist at a gallery dinner.
WHAT’S WRONG WITH IT? Albeit crammed with clever ideas and brilliant originality, The Square doesn’t quite sustain a satisfying ride for all of its 151 minutes.
VERDICT This Cannes Palme d’or winner – which mixes English and Swedish dialogue – is enjoyably provocative.