This is a film that defies easy categorization. It is a complex and layered work that operates on multiple levels, demanding active engagement from the viewer, for the film is full of signs and symbols.
Based on the Epic of Gilgamesh, the film is not to be taking literarily, but rather cinematically. Every work of literary fiction can be analyzed on three basic levels: story, reader, and author. While most films primarily focus on the story itself and its impact on the audience, this film elevates the literal work of Epic of Gilgamesh to a third level, making it a unique film in which the director's presence is subtly yet undeniably felt. Through the deliberate use of imagery, sound design, and narrative manipulation, the director he establishes himself as the architect of this unsettling dreamscape.
The film's elusiveness, with its gaps and fragmented structure, invites viewers to actively participate in its interpretation. This necessitates multiple viewings, as the reviewer aptly points out. A first encounter may leave one overwhelmed, but subsequent viewings can unlock the film's deeper layers, revealing the meticulous artistry at play.
Where is Gilgamesh? Is not simply a film; it's an intellectual puzzle begging to be deciphered. It pushes the boundaries of storytelling and stands as a testament of the power of cinema, a visual medium that is close to dream, the subconscious, full of signs and symbols.
