The Square’s publicity imagery is based completely around this isolated scene, in which Oleg (Planet of the Apes franchise veteran Terry Notary) imitates an ape and attacks the scene’s 300 extras as “art.” The scene is based on a real-life act by Oleg Kulik. Despite being seemingly disconnected from the rest of the film, this scene, and this image, brilliantly captures the tone and message of The Square. Image courtesy Magnolia Pictures.
9/10 The Square might just be the most broadly appealing film you’ve never heard of.
In Stockholm, museum curator Christian (Claes Bang) hires a public relations team to build press for a new exhibit called The Square, and chaos ensues. American journalist Anne (Elizabeth Moss) arrives to interview Christian, and the two become sexually involved. After being robbed, Christian tracks his stolen phone to a nearby apartment complex and leaves a threatening message to all of its tenants, and though his phone and wallet are returned, he’s stalked by a small boy whose parents grounded him over the letter. And the PR firm makes waves in the wrong way when it publishes a commercial for The Square in which a homeless child is bombed.
Despite its Palm d’Or victory, vague artsy marketing and minute release that peaked at 63 theaters, The Square is a surprisingly friendly, accessible film. Its comedic patterns have been drawn many times before, but writer/director/editor Ruben Östlund expertly converts on the film’s satire and absurdism.
Reel Entropy 