Screening at New York Film Festival: Tony Gilroy’s ‘Behemoth!’

At the New York Film Festival, Tony Gilroy, known for directing "Michael Clayton" and creating "Andor," unveiled his latest film, "Behemoth!", a project that attempts to weave a layered narrative around the life of a seasoned musician. The film centers on Alex Serian, portrayed by Pedro Pascal, whose return to Los Angeles after years away triggers a reflective journey through his past, framed by his ongoing musical work.

"Behemoth!" employs an exceptional lineup of Hollywood composers, including James Newton Howard, Alan Silvestri, Michael Giacchino, and others, whose contributions enrich the film’s auditory landscape. The score serves as both a narrative device and an emotional undercurrent, aligning with the film’s structure that shifts between present studio sessions and flashbacks revealing Alex’s personal and professional history.

The story traces Alex's trajectory from a classical musician with a prestigious background to a composer adapting to the evolving demands of the industry, including film scoring and commercial jingles. His journey spans multiple cities—Los Angeles, Dallas, Chicago—and covers more than a decade, reflecting broader industry changes like relocations influenced by environmental and societal factors.

Supporting characters, such as Bronte, a younger musician mentored by Alex, and Viviana, a teenage prodigy with secretive online projects and a mysterious link to Alex's past, add layers to the narrative. Their interactions hint at generational shifts and hidden histories within the music world. However, while these figures contribute intriguing subplots, the film’s overall thematic cohesion reportedly falters, creating moments that shine individually but struggle to form a unified whole.

The film’s narrative unfolds through a Russian-doll style of storytelling, with musical compositions often serving as transitions between timelines and scenes. This method highlights Alex’s introspective state and his tendency to retreat from confrontation, especially regarding his strained relationships. Notably, his romantic involvements across cities provide glimpses into his emotional landscape but lack in-depth exploration.

Critics have noted that despite the film’s ambitious structure and strong individual performances, including Pascal’s nuanced portrayal of a man grappling with unresolved trauma, the pacing and thematic connections feel disjointed. The decision to use digital de-aging technology for Pascal to depict earlier stages of Alex’s life has been met with mixed reactions, as it seemingly diminishes the emotional authenticity during pivotal moments.

The film also features a cast comprising Olivia Wilde, Eva Victor, Kaya Ralls, Alexa Swinton, and Will Arnett, whose portrayals bring color and depth to the surrounding world of musicians and industry professionals. Arnett’s role as Alex’s brother, a former rock musician turned podcaster, adds an additional layer of familial tension and complexity.

Visually, "Behemoth!" is marked by the cinematography of Damián García, whose fluid camera movements and expansive shots capture the varied environments of the music industry, from intimate recording studios to lavish private events. Yet, these visuals, while polished, have been described as lacking the vitality needed to fully engage with the film’s emotional core.

Ultimately, "Behemoth!" culminates in a quietly powerful conclusion as Alex confronts the younger musician Viviana. This encounter crystallizes some of the film’s central themes of legacy, influence, and personal reckoning. Despite its uneven execution, this moment offers a glimpse into the potential depths the film strives to reach.

As reported by observer.com, the film’s strengths lie in its ambitious melding of music and memory, though it stops short of fully harmonizing its many elements into a cohesive statement. "Behemoth!" remains a work of intriguing ideas and standout performances, inviting audiences to reflect on the complexities of artistic life even as it navigates the challenges of narrative cohesion.