Films/DVD Asylum

Posted by Victor Khomenko (M) on March 31, 2005 at 05:17:40

In Reply to: The local library has it! So, it's available pretty posted by tinear on March 3, 2005 at 17:39:18:

I read some reviews to refresh my feelings about this film, and I liked this paragraph:

"Surely this is not what he intended: he didn't make this for a comfortable American/European. And if not made just for himself it was for people who shared the same world. So at least as far as the content, we are attracted to an unfamiliar castle. But so far as the 'personal' form, I think he has found something strangely cosmic. This may be the best film (with Rublev) of one of the three most important filmmakers in history."

I agree with those statements. Much of the film's effect and unspoken language will be lost if one doesn't naturally and immediately get its many subtle clues - all engraned in the oh-so-typical and often gray and dreary life the hero was part of.

So in essence you have here the antithesis of the other interesting Russian film - The Russian Ark. While one is most definitely (and skillfully) made for the foreign consumption, the Mirror is the insider's movie. Which is not to say a foreigner will not be able to get a significant part of its story and language, but the subtlety might be lost.

I don't know... this might be one of the rare cases when reading a lot about the film before watching it might be a good idea.