Shirley: Visions of Reality

This is not a particularly easy film to watch due to the lack of specific narrative flow but it is even more difficult to write about. Based upon the realisation of thirteen of Edward Hopper's paintings, this is a mesmerising experience as the pictures appear, filling the screen, with characters then appearing within the immaculately contrived images. The orange, yellow, green and brown are immediately recognisable and there is always a clear light source, usually open window or cinema screen. The concept is not entirely spurious as Hopper apparently utilised film or literary sources as inspiration but it is a most unconventional film and possibly more suited to a gallery installation. Certainly looks good though.