samnaji-15383

Now, I am for all slow films that create mystery and intrigue, but when a film is slow and answers none of the questions it raises or if it includes scene after scene that serves little to no function to the plot, there comes a point (usually around the half way mark) when you have to question your own sanity and ask yourself "do I have time for this?"

There is an element of the Emperor is not wearing any clothes. Critics who lavish praise on films like these can be a little condescending to other movie lovers with phrases such as "you just don't get it". Maybe we don't, but you know what some of us have the courage and honesty to say "this is not for me, but you do you". And this is coming from a guy whose favourite film is 2001 A Space Odyssey, a film hardly renowned for its fast pace.

The acting is OK, nothing spectacular, its just normal people really. The premise of the plot is interesting (about a mysterious sleeping sickness and a hospital built on sacred ground) but it goes nowhere. We are left filling in a lot of the answers. I guess there is something about nature and bulldozing over it given the number of scenes we see of construction sites, but that is stretching for a straw. I don't know.

The scenes with the lights in the hospital and around the lake look pretty but there is also a 4-minute scene of a man doing his toilet. I think that pretty much sums up this film.

There a lot better films out there that does this sort of thing, such as Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter... And Spring or Mother (2019). I recommend those any time over this.

Let's get one thing straight, this film is not for everyone. Although not slow, it has a cerebral focus that allows the film to take its time in telling a story through beautifully choreographed visuals and music.

Having fallen in love with this film from the time it came out, it was great to see it get HDR 4K treatment and it looks spectacular. A special credit goes to the Dolby sound which is magnificent on a home cinema set up. I recommend playing the film in a darkened room with the sound cracked way up. The music plays an integral part in creating a haunting atmosphere and vibe.

Sally Potter made a marvellous film. It is like watching moving piece of art. From the editing choices to the fantastic performances from Tilda Swinton, John Wood, Heathcote Williams and Lothaire Bluteau.

This film is not one just to be watched but to be cherished and loved. Unfortunately to see more films like this it would seem only the Europeans, Koreans and Japanese are interested. It was made back in the early 90s, a time when the British film industry took chances and seem to have life in it.

BTW - I am still hoping to see a flying Jimmy Somerville one day on my walks.