Review #3: M.F.A. // Natalia Leite

M.F.A. Masters the Art of Rape-Revenge

By: Annie Thompson

           

            In her most recent film M.F.A., Natalia Leite tackles serious social issues involving rape victims, their assaulters, and everyone in between. This unabashedly feminist film exposes the weak efforts by supposed “anti-rape activists” and the harsh treatment of rape victims by counselors who are supposed to be there to help. Throughout this film, you will begin to question if it’s ever worth letting things go.

             Noelle, played by Francesca Eastwood (daughter of Clint Eastwood) is a quirky and reserved student, pursuing her master’s degree in fine arts. As her self portrait is on display for review, her classmates and teacher criticize her only mediocre sketches. “It’s just too bland,” her teacher states, noting that she needed passion and depth in her work. Continuing on her quiet journey of self-exploration, Noelle is flattered when a cute boy from her class asks her to come to a party that night. They always go for the quiet ones that they think won’t make a fuss. He rapes her that night in his room, and then sends her off quietly out the front door. While searching for help, Noelle’s roommate tells her to move on, her counselor begins to convince her it was her own fault, and the university anti-rape group only cares about hashtags and donuts at the meeting. Having no other option, she confronts her attacker that night at his house, and it ends with him dead on the floor. This is when the magic happens. Those bland sketches transform into pieces of mastery. Her passion and anger pours out onto the canvas, and her strokes continuously intensify. This striking mise-en-scene of the opening sequence returns, but now contains the intense color of red, symbolizing the violence of her rape experience. She confidently walks into class the next day with anger and frustration on her face. She puts up her artwork and her teacher and classmates praise her. They believe she experienced some sort of epiphany and are extremely impressed, but this approval is not enough for Noelle. When she hears about another girl who was gang-raped by three fraternity boys, she takes matters into her own hands. The film then quickly changes course. Noelle transforms from a cautious and reserved girl into a revenge-seeking psycho-killer. Noelle continues to kill for not only for the betterment of society, but also to gain inspiration for her final thesis project.

            As much as this film is an exposé of the people surrounding rape culture, M.F.A. is an art film illustrating the beauty and power of painting while utilizing the big screen to do so. Its long takes focus on detail and will leave you mesmerized as the red drops are juxtaposed against the black and white canvas. The score is an art form of its own. Her intensified breathing during the rape scene comes back to haunt and overwhelm the viewers’ senses. The score engulfed my attention and allowed a sense of connection to Noelle. The breathing takes different forms during juxtaposing scenes. Heightened scenes contain heavy and almost ear piercing breathing, creating a stressful environment in which we can understand Noelle’s frustration. Other scenes contain soft breaths and peaceful music, in which we can feel at peace, as Noelle does, standing in justification of her actions. From the relaxed painting shots with calm breaths and soft music to the heavy metal bangs intertwined with deeper and heavier breaths, the score dominates in almost every scene existing within this film.

            M.F.A. shames rapists of all shapes, sizes, styles, and personalities, ignoring the idea that they may have actually become a changed person. People can change, but Noelle does not forgive and forget, making this film completely unforgiving. This film proves that rape exists everywhere, not only in the stereotypical world of fraternities and binge drinking, but also in a somewhat relaxed art world of sipping wine and cigarettes. These contrasting worlds both drive the plot, proving that rape can happen to anyone. The reoccurring theme of rape victims wanting to forget their past and move on is frowned upon in M.F.A., calling women to action against their attackers. The fact that rapists barely get punished and then continue on their regular lives like they did nothing wrong calls Noelle to action, and through the cruelties of these perpetrators, ignorant counselors, and hashtag-loving activist groups, Natalia Leite calls you to action.

Genre: Thriller

Run Time: 1hr 33min

Director: Natalia Leite

Writers: Leah McKendrick

Stars: Francesca Eastwood, Clifton Collins Jr, Leah McKendrick, Peter Vack