I just saw this film on DVD, and I wasn't particularly impressed. To a certain point, I did enjoy it, but, at the film's conclusion, all I could say was, "So what?"
Truly, I found the film lovely to look at, and I enjoyed spotting actors/actresses in various roles, but loveliness and conceit do not necessarily make for a good film in my book.
Considering that the film clocks in at almost three hours, I do think that Has could have provided more information and character development. As for being a filmic "Tree of Life," maybe so, but I generally don't consult with films to gather a larger picture of the cosmos. If SM is truly a cabbalistic device, then I'm compelled to think that Has's work is just pretentious.
For entertaining, lyrical, and ravishing films-within-films, I'll stick to VALERIE AND HER WEEK OF WONDERS and THE COMPANY OF WOLVES. When I'm looking for a prototype of a Peter Greenaway film that will help me sleep, I'll watch SM, again. JMHO...
Musidora
Truly, I found the film lovely to look at, and I enjoyed spotting actors/actresses in various roles, but loveliness and conceit do not necessarily make for a good film in my book.
Considering that the film clocks in at almost three hours, I do think that Has could have provided more information and character development. As for being a filmic "Tree of Life," maybe so, but I generally don't consult with films to gather a larger picture of the cosmos. If SM is truly a cabbalistic device, then I'm compelled to think that Has's work is just pretentious.
For entertaining, lyrical, and ravishing films-within-films, I'll stick to VALERIE AND HER WEEK OF WONDERS and THE COMPANY OF WOLVES. When I'm looking for a prototype of a Peter Greenaway film that will help me sleep, I'll watch SM, again. JMHO...
Musidora