Sunday, September 20, 2009

Last Year in Marienbad



For a while, having believed that real cinema as we know it is dying, I have stopped searching for films that would be earth-shattering and life changing. I have been indulging myself in blockbuster action, sci-fi and fantasy films and can't remember when was the last time I was truly moved by the artistic aspects of a film.

Until yesterday when I watched "Last Year in Marienbad (1961), a film by Alain Resnais

How do I even start? It is so far and beyond everything I've ever seen. The Seventh Seal and The Silence may come closes, but The City of Lost Children and Fallen Angels have just dropped from 5 stars to 4. The steadicam sequence shot of Russian Ark is no comparison to the fragmented yet powerful camera work and storyline. I want to write a book and dedicate it to this film.

I wouldn't have understood it this well were I to watch it a few years back, and I would probably feel different again when watching it in a few years.

It is that powerful. So watch it if you haven't.

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