After experiencing German helmer Werner Herzog’s whimsical, wonderfully off-beat fable Bucking Fastard, two things leapt to mind, the first is just how divisive the film will probably be (much like The Testament of Ann Lee last year) and second, if the Academy is collectively enchanted by the astounding acting feat that Kate and Rooney Mara pull of–and I’ve never seen anything like it–would the rules be altered to allow them to compete as one for Best Actress? I couldn’t imagine any other scenario.
Jean and Joan Holbrooke (The Maras) are NOT identical twins, they’re sisters as they are quick to point out to people. They live in Ireland and, as the film opens, are on trial for basically stalking Gareth Mulroney (a hilarious Orlando Bloom) the rakish cad who seduced them then married another (single) woman. Jean/Joan are called to the stand and we can see that they’re dressed alike and move and speak in virtual unison. They’re also convinced they’re in love with Mulroney, who proudly testifies, “My cowgirls, they rode me well!” And when he has the audacity to claim they’re relationship was purely sexual, they, together, reply, “The bucking fastard is lying!”
So begins the enthralling, sometimes overly precious, tale of these bizarre, headstrong sisters, who appear strangers in this contemporary world. But would be misfits in any milieu. Herzog’s tale, inspired by real-life ID twins Freda and Greta Chaplin, takes quite a few super weird twists and turns but the Maras are never less than mesmerizing and, after a bit their behavior is actually endearing. “We are we,” they command. And you believe it.
The film, however, can become a bit maddening.
In Dublin, the gals live rent-free, enjoy their notoriety, and are looked in on by a kind social worker (Domhnall Gleeson) who tries to get them to do some things separately, if only for their own sanity. There’s a hilarious bit where they’re trying to vacuum a small area between chairs and they both cannot fit through so give up in sheer frustration.
By the time they join their sweet Auntie Louise (Jen O’Dwyer) in the mountains and discover a cave, along with their new pet fox, and literally begin spelunking, you are either on board with the peculiar proceedings ,or you want to run screaming off that mountain.
Wherever you might land, I promise you will be captivated by the year’s true tour deux force performance.
Bucking Fastard world premiered in competition at the Venice Film Festival.
