Is Montage Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2015)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Montage, a standout production of 2015, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Music, Documentary landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into MONTAGE is a film record of the Montaje/Lachenmann recital presented by the Proa Foundation on November 8, 2013 in collaboration with the Contemporary Music Series. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Music, Documentary are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "MONTAGE is a film record of the Montaje/Lachenmann recital presented by the Proa Foundation on November 8, 2013 in collaboration with the Contemporary Music Series. The recital project revolved around three Pieces for three soloists by Helmut Lachenmann, a nucleus that manifests itself as an index of radicalism from which a story of the direction that guides the career of its author can be undertaken. The program concluded with the simultaneous performance of those three Pieces, a version that appears in the Lachenmanian catalog under the name of Montage and for which there is no score or record. What is heard at the conclusion of this documentary could be the only record, so far, of that ghost version that the composer advises not to try."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Despite the inherent talent of Margarita Fernández, the performance in Montage feels somewhat constrained by a narrative framework that doesn't fully exploit their range. There are flashes of brilliance, but the overall impact is muted.

The direction by Alejo Moguillansky is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 100 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Montage truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Music, Documentary, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Montage explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2015 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Alejo Moguillansky respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Montage is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Margarita Fernández or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Montage is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.