Press: Queen of Diamonds

Queen of Diamonds Pull Quotes

Set in a desiccated Las Vegas, Menkes's entrancing 1991 film, recently restored, situates its anomic protagonist in a series of unforgettably barren (whether topographically or psychically) tableaux — a bleakness punctuated by impeccably timed offhand humor."

— Melissa Anderson, Artforum

QUEEN OF DIAMONDS, the latest jewel in the crown of independent filmmaker Nina Menkes, may become for American in the ‘90’s what Jeanne Dielman was for Europe in the 70’s—a cult classic using a rigorous visual composition to penetrate the innermost recesses of the soul.”

— The Chicago Reader

The film’s power stems from the palpable aura of repressed rage and despair which Tinka Menkes gives the main character. Her portrayal is sphinx-like, slow, weighted, like a wounded but still dangerous animal. One of the three best films at Sundance.”

— Atlanta Art Papers

Defies convention boldly and masterfully…internationally recognized as one of the US’ most challenging filmmakers, Menkes finds images which stick in the mind and gain power as one dwells on them.”

— Daily Variety

One of the foremost avante-garde filmmakers in the world.”

— Ken Wlaschin, Director, AFI International Film Festival

With QUEEN OF DIAMONDS Menkes becomes the most prominent independent filmmaker in the U.S.A.”

— Sabine Reeh, Die Presse

Taxing, shimmering, hypnotic, QUEEN OF DIAMONDS demands being seen more than once to fully absorb its beauty and meaning—one of the year’s top two films.”

— Los Angeles Times

Masterfully shot, this lower than low budget film in stunning 35mm color is a declaration of Menkes’ perseverance as a totally independent filmmaker with a tremendous amount of integrity and originality.”

— Alberto Garcia, Programmer, Sundance Film Festival

Ravishing, hallucinatory…with QUEEN OF DIAMONDS Menkes once again proves herself one of the more compelling voices in American film, an evocative cine-poet boldly pursuing a singular and highly personal vision…a stimulating, provocative work.”

— R. Greene, Editor, Box Office Magazine