A Talking Picture
| Release Date: December 10, 2004 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
77
METASCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 14 Critic Reviews
Positive:
12
Mixed:
2
Negative:
0
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Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
100
VarietyDeborah Young
A film destined to divide Manoel de Oliveira's fans but also to win him new ones, A Talking Picture is his simplest, most linear story in memory. Read full review
100
Christian Science MonitorDavid Sterritt
As a nonagenarian, de Oliveira is the world's oldest working filmmaker, and still one of the best. This is a lovely, lively, timely treat for the eyes and mind. Read full review
90
The New York TimesManohla Dargis
In both its intellectual reach and the elegant simplicity of its form, A Talking Picture bears resemblance to Andrei Sokurov's "Russian Ark." Read full review
88
Chicago TribuneMichael Wilmington
It's a great film that, sadly, may be ignored by all but the most dedicated, knowledgable filmgoers. Read full review
80
Chicago ReaderJonathan Rosenbaum
Initially this seems naive and archaic, but it conceals a Buñuelian stinger in its tail. Read full review
80
The A.V. ClubNoel Murray
De Oliveira wraps A Talking Picture with a simultaneous introduction and farewell--a bold curtain-dropper that's either a bleak joke or an imprecisely controlled scream of rage. Read full review
80
The Hollywood ReporterFrank Scheck
A thoughtful, provocative effort that makes up for its narrative failings with its astute philosophical musings. Read full review
80
Los Angeles TimesKevin Thomas
An honest title for a film that is almost entirely conversation. Yet its rich contemplative tone proves deceptive, for its director, Portugal's preeminent filmmaker Manoel de Oliveira, at 96, still knows how to pack a wallop. Read full review
75
New York PostV.A. Musetto
Moves along its tranquil way until about five minutes before the closing credits, when it turns into a terrorist thriller. Read full review
75
San Francisco ChronicleWalter Addiego
A potent and troubling meditation on the state of Western society. Read full review
75
Seattle Post-IntelligencerSean Axmaker
This is full of talk in the European art cinema tradition: intellectual conversations (often in multiple languages at once), gentile dinner conversation with an international all-star guest list. Read full review
70
Village VoiceDennis Lim
Still astonishingly vital at 96, the Portuguese maestro Manoel de Oliveira here takes a becalmed trip through stormy waters. Read full review
60
L.A. WeeklyElla Taylor
As a political statement it is either a cry of despair or a grim acknowledgment that in the endless cycles of history, civilization will always have its saboteurs. Read full review
40
TV Guide MagazineKen Fox
This intermittently interesting symbolic tour through European history once again places ideas over aesthetics and technique. Read full review
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