The Square * * * * *

          After the brilliant Force Majeure from 2014 I was looking forward to seeing The Square and I was not dissapointed. 

          Unlike Force Majeure, where the subject matter of courage was very clear, almost pointed, The Square is a drama which covers more than one issue.

Dinner is served...

          Probably most prevalent of these is primitivism - man is an animal - which culminates in an unforgettable scene where a room full of society diners at an art gallery fund raiser are subjected to a piece of theater art.

         More subtle is the story of the gallery director Christian, and his reaction to the street theft of his mobile phone.  His response might seem reasonable, yet the fallout and heavy handedness of his actions are later conveyed to him.

          Later we are asked the question: "Can a beggar girl blown to pieces be regarded as a suitable You Tube promotion for an art event?"  Their publicity advisers got it right and gave the gallery the viral hit they wanted. Watching the You Tube you don't know whether to giggle or be appalled.

         But the beggar in the video is an actress for a promotional video.  Meanwhile we are confronted by real beggars in the city streets and a most telling scene where Christian has to beg for help from a beggar.  He needs someone to look after his shopping - an armful of designer label bags - whilst he looks for his daughters in the mall.

           Christian has sex with a journalist sent to interview him.  Trust is tested to the maximum as he refuses to give her the used condom after they had sex.

             The Square is a funny, frightening and immensely thought provoking film, making Ruben Ostland one of the most exciting and interesting writer/directors working today.

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