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| Kristin Scott Thomas and Ethan Hawke star in "The Woman in the Fifth" |
"The Woman in the Fifth" is Pawel Pawlikowski's first film in seven years and marks no departure from the Polish filmmaker's steady, romantic aesthetic. The film possesses a particularly high density, especially due to such strong performances from Ethan Hawke and Kristin Scott Thomas. It fails, however, to really engage the viewer past the feeling of general intrigue. Pawlikowski's firm grip on the wheel, embellished with harmonizing technical aspects, keeps you interested, but not interested enough. The best scenes, which feature Hawke at his 'job' in an underground room, are filled with more suspense and dread than most entire horror films contain. Looking back on the film, it has to be noted that few films set in Paris showcase so little of the City of Light. Most of the film takes place in dimly lit rooms, windowless basements or dirty hotels. Did Hawke's character ever truly leave the mental hospital from which he was supposedly released? 3.5 out of 5 stars.
"A Little Bit Zombie" and "Ok, Good" after the jump.

