Hyenas

Watched this 30 years after its creation and am very glad I did.

A short review : the way it seems I am should feel about Fellini, I feel about this film. I enjoy some Fellini films, but for whatever reason I felt more connected to this tale.

This film has plenty of spectacle. I mention fireworks, but a carnival in fact sprouts forth from the land (and the pursue of the dishonored woman returning to her home town).

There are both metaphoric and literal hyenas circling the town. The casting of Ami Diakhate was great and this the only film she ever made as far as I can tell. Feels like that might be a story in itself.

Just read an interview with the director (who died 7 years after this film from lung cancer, perhaps a colonial-induced cancer?) Anyways I think he was just a vibrant artist and able to guide dreams both as the director of the film and as a character within it. A master puppeteer never lets you see the strings.

That scene towards the end where Diakhate's character meets with her former lover/enemy/despoiler/mayor/public enemy is rather remarkable. From gazing out at the ocean together sharing an intimate smoke, to Diakhate descending into what looks like a tomb watching from afar as the mayor meets symbolic hyenas on the outskirts of town.

Such a smooth dream-like portrayal of a jarring event.

Next up for me "Touki Bouki"