An Elephant Sitting Still

Have you seen this? It's gotten some pretty rave reviews.

But 4 hours in length!

I don't know whether to complain about the duration, or admire their bravery in producing such an extended feature. The progress of the film is pretty slow, but there are half-dozen threads which merge together in he end, so the time passes somehow quickly.

The movie itself is very interesting. No spoilers, but the ending is as underwhelming as life itself. I think that is the point.

The director committed suicide shortly after the film was edited, which is pretty grim. It is strange to think that such nihilism might form part of the movie. (This isn't a spoiler either).

It is a weird, depressing, interesting film. I would say "Enjoy", but it's not the right word.

Have any of you watched it? Don't be put off by this review, it really is pretty excellent.

https://www.newyorker.com/culture/the-front-row/an-elephant-sitting-still-reviewed-a-young-chinese-filmmakers-masterly-portrait-of-political-and-intimate-despair

johnny_ultimate

It’s one of the most remarkable films of the last decade - a tough, often emotionally harrowing portrait of urban despair that nonetheless is deeply human and in the end even weirdly hopeful and beautiful. Hu Bo had a stunning command of form, tone and pace - things like the use of moody musical montages at key moments really add momentum and energy to what could have been a very challenging watch. What a tragedy this is the only film of his we’ll see.

johnny_ultimate

johnny_ultimate wrote: »

It’s one of the most remarkable films of the last decade - a tough, often emotionally harrowing portrait of urban despair that nonetheless is deeply human and in the end even weirdly hopeful and beautiful. Hu Bo had a stunning command of form, tone and pace - things like the use of moody musical montages at key moments really add momentum and energy to what could have been a very challenging watch. What a tragedy this is the only film of his we’ll see.

Well said.

I cannot remember the last time I watched a film that, in the following days, had me pausing to reflect on life's little irrelevances.

One hour in, I was getting bored; after two hours, I was very interested; three days later, I can't stop thinking about it.