Anchoress

This is a fascinating movie. With minimal dialogue it seems to speak volumes and give so much food for thought about life for women, peasants, communities and the church in medieval times and the tensions between these. Visually it is often very beautiful especially in its depiction of nature. It is slow moving as fitting the times but it is absorbing all the same. There are echoes of Joan of Arc among the themes. Toyah Wilcox, better known as a former pop star, gives a surprisingly strong performance. Natalie Morse is compelling in the lead role, and there are also strong performances from Christopher Ecclestone and Pete Postlethwaite.

"Anchoress" (English/Dutch): I've watched this one over and over. I don't own it yet, but I will. It is fascinating, beautiful, strange, and insightful. "Anchoress" takes place during the European Medieval period, when humans survived at the mud level. This story is about one young woman who tries to find comfort and beauty inside the church,

with the 'Mother Mary'...or at least a poorly made icon. She hasn't the capability of deciphering her motives, and soon offers herself to the church as an "Anchoress" - a person devoted to God, relinquishing all worldly connections, and being voluntarily cemented into a small crawl space of her church's wall (!) - for the rest of her life. Strange times, those...except we see that the priest considers this a good marketing move for the church (to have such an "attraction"). Yet, things don't go the way anyone predicted... "Anchoress" is shot in some of the most powerful black & white film I've ever seen (equal to Bergman or Lynch), has an incredibly sensitive sound track (not music) attuned to the daily life of Earth, and, a camera that loves to be thoughtful and intimate. Each shot is a composed, artful image worthy of Rembrandt. If Rembrandt had used a movie camera, with b/w film, this could've been one of his films. Despite, or because of, the near total lack of dialog, there are scenes you will never forget. This is a very grounded film, while being mystical at the same time. Perhaps that's part of the attraction. It deals with our dual urges to rise above daily life, yet revel in it at the same time. I understand more upon each viewing of "Anchoress".

If this film appears sparse to some I would remind the viewer that agrarian life 500+ years ago was just that. What Anchoress may lack in dialogue is made up for in sound, texture, and detailed attention to lighting, mostly outdoor. Very few films (Seventh Seal) are able to capture the stark setting of the underpopulated reality that was Europe - not all historical scenarios need be drowned with battle sequences, lavishly dressed royals, and epic soundtracks aimed to fill empty spaces. No one lived like that except a small few. I would recommend this film to anyone who has an appreciation of women's history, and ancient Christian mysticism. The story of Christine's descent into the church, her rebirth, and eventual retreat into the earth is beautifully filmed and acted by all involved in this unique project. A scene not to be missed is Christine's fabulously angry mother pissing before the priest on his own church yard. Why all the pagans out there who frequent this site have not championed this movie is beyond me!

I have not much to say about the movie, and I am not going to tell everyone what to think of the plot, for it isn't the best story I have seen, although it is not bad at all (!). But I decided on giving a small comment because I was very much impressed by the unbelievable photography. I myself am a filmstudent, and the special, exact and mysterious atmosphere that was given to this movie is something to be unbelievably jealous of. Apart from the light (and SHADOW) and the images, the sound is also adding to a movie very worth the effort of watching. Everything goes very slowly, taking the time to make every image just perfect. Wether you like the story or not, after seeing this movie you just HAVE to admit that it at least LOOKS and SOUNDS great!

This film must be watched with a quiet spirit and a willingness to let go of well-organized, linear plot development. Those familiar with The Book of Margery Kempe will appreciate the spiritual struggle Anchoress represents as well as the more "feminine" approach to plot. The cinematography is exquisite as well as the acting.