All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt

When creating a film that's best described as experimental, ambition goes a long way toward the fulfillment of that goal. However, it's not enough to carry the project if it doesn't have something meaningful or profound to say in the end product, and that, unfortunately, is what's missing from the premiere effort from poet Raven Jackson in her writing/directing feature debut. This offering is perhaps best characterized as a visual tone poem examining the decades-long life of an African-American woman in rural Mississippi from childhood to becoming a grandmother. It's light on narrative and seeks to tell its story visually, relying more on showing than telling, a noble undertaking, to be sure. Nevertheless, the picture leans on its imagery so heavily that it often fails to convey anything of real substance, despite its visual beauty and some obviously heartfelt sequences in which the principals' emotions are indeed palpable and affecting. In between, though, the sequences begin to feel padded after a while, striving to capture profound insights through events that are too innately incidental to express anything truly enlightening, reflective or philosophically rich. Instead, it offers viewers a biographical look at one individual's ties to the people, places and everyday events that made up her life, a depiction that, regrettably, plays more like a home movie with arthouse treatment. This is perhaps best exemplified by a nearly 10-minute sequence of a hug that, frankly, grows stunningly tedious in far less time than that. I suspect that these shortcomings probably arise from the filmmaker being too close to her own subject matter, given that many of the characters in this story are based on the lives of people from her own family and ancestors. Those elements may be deeply moving to her, but they don't translate into material that would mean much to those outside her own immediate circle. With that said, however, this release is not without its merits, most notably its gorgeous cinematography and beautiful original score. Beyond that, though, "All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt" is likely to try the patience of many viewers, including those willing to give a chance to its attempt at an alternative inventive approach. This truly feels more like a film or art school project than something that would appeal to even the most ardent of diehard open-minded cinephiles. And that's unfortunate, because I'm sure there's an interesting story buried somewhere within this material. Sadly, it never surfaces but remains camouflaged in its own artistic trappings.

Once in a while, a film comes along that is inspiring and an example of fine story telling. All Dirt Roads Taste Of Salt is not one of them. While it runs a tad over 90 minutes it seems a lot longer. I saw it at the Melbourne International Film Festival where we were invited by the emcee to 'let it wash over you'. Goodness me. I had to work hard to not drown in the many, many shots that seemed to last forever, and which were in semi darkness. Largely unhampered by a coherent script or storyline, this movie had a lovely soundscape of bugs chirruping, raIn and storms, but for me that was it. Once your mind is overcome with trying to figure out what is happening and switches to 'How long has this to go?' mode, all is lost. A number of people left, some quite early, and many more didn't wait for the director's talk at the end. Needless to say I was one of them. A movie should be able to stand on its own legs and not need explanation. Life's too short.

Just quietly, I loved this film, intimate, slow and immersive, this film tells the lives of a family of Southern women through close ups of their bodies and the landscape they inhabit. There is almost no traditional narratives, but through a sequence of images women learn and grow from each other and the men and the landscape around them, they fish, dig in the earth, fall in love, give birth and raise children, all to the sound of falling in rain, the rhythms of the earth and relationships growing deeper. One qualification, it needs to be seen in the cinema and as the audience behind me said 'it just lowers your pulse rate'

I just couldn't for the life of me understand why the director would choose to shoot most, if not all, scenes in such a close up fashion. And then have that very annoying cricket sound in the background of almost all the scenes. It was soooooo irritating. Then you have scenes where no word is spoken for so long, you thought the movie had ended. Then you had the non-lineal approach which just made things worse. Half the time you don't know what you are watching because of the useless close ups and then half the time, you didn't know what's going on because no one is saying anything. Ridiculous.

All Dirt Roads Taste Of Salt

In Raven Jackson's directorial debut, "All Dirt Roads Taste Of Salt," the non-linear narrative unveils the intricate tapestry of Mackenzie's life in Mississippi. While the film's random sequencing may not appeal to all viewers, it weaves together a mosaic of people, places, and moments that define the lead character. Not every moment shown holds the same profundity, and some moments are dragged too long.

Other than the random sequencing this flick has, it also relies on a stylistic dialogue that minimally uses spoken words, instead delving into scenes through expressive eye and body language. This is also coupled with an immersive exploration of landscapes, complemented by a vibrant and rich score which helps compensates for the limited verbal communication.

This movie opens with the line, "Slow, take your time", and this echoes the pacing present. The pacing is slow and sometimes torturous; stares linger long and hugs last even longer. The nonlinear manner the scenes are presented in also deprives the movie from having a buildup.

All Dirt Roads Taste Of Salt stands out with its unique mosaic approach to memories, but this won't be to everyone's taste or appreciation. However, its commendable cinematography and setting contribute to its distinctive character.

5.5/10.