grodscorp@grods.com
Film rating: 4.5/5
Walkouts: 4/5
Pretentious clapping at credits: 3/5
BPM sighting: No
Silent Light opens with what is, arguably, the single most remarkable shot of the year: dawn breaking over a breathtaking rural landscape. One of cinema’s most distinctive auteurs, Carlos Reygadas, has created a deeply moving tale of love and sacrifice played out against the pastoral backdrop of the North Mexican Mennonite community using a cast of non-actors.
Johan is a married man who, against the laws of his faith, falls in love with another woman, leaving him with an impossible dilemma - betray his wife and the apparent stability of his community, or surrender his true love and future happiness.
Winner of the Jury Prize at last year’s Cannes Film Festival.
Indeed, the opening and closing shotswere simply stunning. I’m not sure what proportion of them was CGI but I don’t care because it just worked.
This was a looooong film. Long, lingering shots were the theme and they were beautiful shots. If the film were re-edited to the minimum length required to tell the story it would run for 25 minutes, but at 140 minutes it contained so much more atmosphere and allowed you to better “feel” the characters.
For non-actors the leads did remarkable jobs, although they must’ve received outstanding direction. The cinematography and detailed sound design made the film a true pleasure to experience. My only gripes are that the long, lingering shots got a little tedious towards the end, and that the ending didn’t quite fit for some reason. Can’t put my finger on it.
Excellent film, but.
Sunday 10 August 2008, 1:01 am #Toaf
I like the sound of this one, too. Very okay.
Sunday 10 August 2008, 7:50 pm #John Surname
Sounds like a film for poofs.
Monday 11 August 2008, 5:31 am #Toaf
What are you trying to say, Tsurnami?