NYFF: Bullet in the Head

The title may suggest a thriller, but Catalan director Jaime Rosales's film belongs to that genre only in the widest possible sense. Yes, somebody eventually gets killed, but that's just about the only thing that can be said with certainty.

Bullet in the Head has only one line of dialogue; the rest of the film follows a bearded protagonist around with a very long lens that observes him buying a newspaper, drinking coffee, having sex, and crossing the border into France. Conversations are drowned out by ambient noise, leaving us with a feature-length version of the mysterious moments when Scarlett whispers in Bill Murray's ear and Daniel threatens Eli after the baptism.

Are they talking about money? Love? Murder? Once I started actively participating, Bullet in the Head became a mildly interesting game at the very edges of narrative, only ever just barely providing enough substance to keep me involved. It's bound to sorely test the patience of anyone who isn't willing to supply their own answers. [Jürgen] **

Bullet in the Head screens at the 46th New York Film Festival on Sunday, October 12.  More from Alison Willmore and Daniel Kasman.