Problemista's whimsy is wearying, Blitz a conventional WWII drama

Alejandro (Julio Torres) from El Salvador is an aspiring toy designer in New York City. With time running out on his American work visa, he becomes personal assistant to an erratic art critic (Tilda Swinton) as his only hope for a sponsored residency.

- Whang Yee Ling

PROBLEMISTA (M18) 98 minutes, opens exclusively at The Projector on Nov 28 ★★☆☆☆

The story:

Even the singular Swinton is grating, although, in her defence, she is merely acting the part of Elizabeth Ascenci, a screeching harridan in perpetual meltdown and a flaming magenta wig.

Problemista is an archly quirky indie comedy complete with storybook narration.

Saturday Night Live (1975 to present) alumnus Torres writes, directs, co-produces and stars as the childlike hero. A chance encounter leads to Alejandro co-curating a gallery retrospective of 13 egg paintings by Elizabeth's husband (RZA of the American hip-hop collective Wu-Tang Clan), who has cryogenically frozen himself with the plan to revive in a future where his work would be better appreciated.