Lem adaptation 'The Congress' divides Cannes critics

The Congress: press materials

Part live action, part animation, The Congress follows on from the Israeli film-maker's award-winning 2008 work Waltz with Bashir.

Empire magazine's online outlet described The Congress as “an extraordinary and very touching film that exists somewhere in the twilight zone between the existential brainteasers of Charlie Kaufman and the psychedelic wonders of Hayao Miyazaki.”

Meanwhile, writing in the UK's Guardian newspaper, critic Xan Brooks affirmed that Folman “proves that he is no one-trick pony” with his latest film.

“If anything it makes its case too strongly. The Congress contains tricks aplenty and ideas in abundance. The problem comes in herding these scattered, floating elements towards a satisfying whole.”

The Hollywood Reporter reflected that “ambition markedly outstrips achievement in The Congress,” describing the work as “a visionary piece of speculative fiction that drops the ball after a fine set-up.”

The HR notes that the early live actions sequences, which include Harvey Keitel as “the best he's been in quite a while,” outstrip the animated part.

“Initial viewer curiosity gives way to impatience and finally ennui in the film’s second half, spelling lukewarm commercial prospects for this commendable but shortfalling exploratory drama.”

Meanwhile, the festival is preparing to screen Roman Polanski's erotic comedy Venus in Fur, which is competing in the event's main competition. (nh)