Walden

I saw this movie at its premier at the sundance film festival. It was very interesting to see some of the scenes, but the movie seems to drag on forever. Much of the content was unnecessary. It does get credit for being different from most other movies.

This film (which I saw at Sundance) is brilliantly constructed. It is slow only in the way that classical ballet can be seen as slow by those who do not comprehend the form. This film is paced appropriately to its subject. Yes, half the audience left by the end of the Sundance screening, but the other half stayed for the entire film and applauded it. It is a true work of art.

To me, Walden seems almost outside the realm of criticism. Its not entertainment and I doubt the filmmaker intended it to be entertaining. Those who are criticizing it for being slow or unnecessary seem to be missing the point. I feel that its glacial pace, and lack of any real reason or satisfying conclusion is precisely what makes it special. I saw the film at Sundance and it was surely a test of endurance, but it was one of the most unique and memorable cinematic experiences I've had. Reminds me that a film can do so much more than tell a conventional story.