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the-taoist-dude
Reviews
Septyni nematomi zmones (2005)
A slow and somewhat intense progression
This was the first film that i saw in the Rotterdam Film Festival this year, and it was part of their Hot Spots program, looking at films from several locations in Europe, where it is felt that cinema is making a progression through external influences.
Sharunas Bartas, a man of few words, both in answering questions at the festival as well as in his film uses intense cinematography, and amazing images to slowly progress his story. The characters do not say much, and at times it is humorous what little they actually do say to each other. It is not until these Lithuanians are gathered with family and friends, getting drunk trying to drink each other under they table that they become loud and festive. In this way, alcohol becomes the major way that the characters can express themselves, and actually become actively social.
The imagery of the landscapes, and use of animals are quite interesting, at times it seems the goats and sheep are acting just as much as the people. Even though not much is said, through the neutral looks of people, and the obvious suffering that they must put up with is quite moving, and it doesn't seem like there is one moment that someone is not lighting or smoking a cigarette, possibly their only means of escape besides alcohol.
This is not a film to see if you do not like slow, long shots, because at moments images are held for what seems like minutes, personally with my photographic background i find it beautiful, but there is not that much happening. Its more capturing the humanity of these poor, destitute Lithuanian characters, who despite their richly beautiful environments lead hard lives.