The premise here is the evacuation of St. Kilda, set in the uttermost Shetland Isle of Foula.
What strikes the viewer at once is the contrast between the banality of the invented drama with the uniquely cinematic beauty of the island. And, more importantly, the contrast between the flashes of genius in the framing, composition and camera angles with the flat soundstage close ups. It's as if there's two movies going on at once, and Powell lurches us back and forth.
The plot itself is a trifle of no concern...what does come through is that the human and livestock presence on the island seems an irritation that nature can't wait to shake off, such is the power of the visuals.
The rope rappelling scene is paid tribute to in "For Your Eyes Only"...
What strikes the viewer at once is the contrast between the banality of the invented drama with the uniquely cinematic beauty of the island. And, more importantly, the contrast between the flashes of genius in the framing, composition and camera angles with the flat soundstage close ups. It's as if there's two movies going on at once, and Powell lurches us back and forth.
The plot itself is a trifle of no concern...what does come through is that the human and livestock presence on the island seems an irritation that nature can't wait to shake off, such is the power of the visuals.
The rope rappelling scene is paid tribute to in "For Your Eyes Only"...