Strangely, the documentary about a great cinematographer ended up being the greatest film about an another cinematic figure.
Like The Cutting Edge: The Magic Of Film Editing, Rerberg And Tarkovsky shines a light on one of the arts that creates film form, that being the interpretation of subject into image. So this is a must view for budding cinematographers.
The story of how the two men collaborated successfully and improvisationaly on the masterpiece Mirror is truly inspiring in how openhearted it was. But the tale of Stalker, the film that was shot three times and potentially made crew members sick and terminally ill (because of toxic location shooting) is dark and engrossing.
This is the best video resource on Stalker I have ever seen and by giving a voice to Rerberg's point of view, brings Tarkovsky back down to earth as human and flawed. It is this reason why I think it ends up being the best Tarkovsky documentary, because although it portrays him as one of the greats of cinema, it doesn't buy into the mythic and untouchable status other films/writing on the subject fall into.
The film wonderfully highlights the complex character of Rerberg, a figure that cinephiles in the west may not otherwise have any resources to learn about. His passion for the craft, melancholy of career in pieces after Stalker and fall of the Soviet Union is given time and context, interwoven during the two hours. Quite invaluably, Rerberg's other work is highlighted for discovery.
But this film is ultimately about the Stalker saga and anyone interested in this shouldn't miss the incredibly satisfying film.
Mike Retter
