This is a non-narrative film comprised mostly of long takes of natural events such as the flow of the tide on a seashore, or the leaves of a tree, or the clouds in the sky. The only non-natural events displayed are the motions of a machine at work (I could not identify which sort of machine it was), and it probably was chosen because of the repetitive pattern of its movement, which kind of echoes that of the tide flow shown just before them. The shifting patterns of light and shade induce a sort of trance in the viewer -- an aesthetic experience that at its best can be ecstatic. The amazing thing about this film is that its concept is simple and its images are taken from common events, yet we never take the time to look at them in our everyday life.
2 Reviews
Who came up with this title? Were they sane?!
planktonrules12 October 2011
Did they get the title right? After all, for much of the film, all I saw were LOTS of shots of the tide washing in and out across the beach and rocks. What did his have to do with a young man?! And, as it was a silent film with minimal intertitle cards, I was left feeling confused. My confusion didn't abate as it then switched to closeups of machinery moving. Like the beach shots, it's a bit hypnotizing to watch...but also seemingly pointless. What about this young man?! Then, smoke (as if from a lit cigarette) is shown in a closeup. So ends the First Act...and I kept thinking..."where is the man and what has this to do with him?".
The second act begins with more water. Then, closeups of palm fronds. Hmmmm....we don't seem to be getting any closer to any man. My sense of confusion is only increasing. But wait....here it comes. No, it's just more water...and some leaves...and now clouds. Is this some sort of practical joke?! The third act, sadly, is no different and in the end I am just confused. The film is a bit artistic and if it had been called "Closeup Shots of Nature" or "Long, Long, LONG, Shots of Water, Trees, Clouds, Etc.." I wouldn't have minded so much. As is, this is a stupidly named film.
The second act begins with more water. Then, closeups of palm fronds. Hmmmm....we don't seem to be getting any closer to any man. My sense of confusion is only increasing. But wait....here it comes. No, it's just more water...and some leaves...and now clouds. Is this some sort of practical joke?! The third act, sadly, is no different and in the end I am just confused. The film is a bit artistic and if it had been called "Closeup Shots of Nature" or "Long, Long, LONG, Shots of Water, Trees, Clouds, Etc.." I wouldn't have minded so much. As is, this is a stupidly named film.
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