Review of A Safe Place (1971) by Tom B — 20 Apr 2011

I have a habit of overrating the films in this box set, but they are so unique and speak to me on such a basic memory level I have to give in and gush. This is not for every filmgoer, but for those who appreciate the journey of this kind of film the rewards are rich and sound a deep bell.

Many echoes for me in this one, quite a few surprises. Delight to see Orson Welles, and astonishing to see the camera linger on Tuesday Weld, obviously in love with her face. Reminiscent of Godard that way, jagged cutting, interrupted music, overlapping times and moments, a man asking questions but we only see the woman answering.

A smattering of the commentary was tantalizing, to be imbibed at a later date. Jaglom is thoughtful and expressive and tells a good story. The beauty of the look of the film is fresh. The journey of the story is into a somewhat deep pain, and yet the magic of art is there for a reason.

We can sample the feeling of savoring a summer day, the passage of time, the winding ways of a heavy thought process towards an overwhelming and poet decision (oh, do not ask what is it). Not an easy film to stay awake through, but captures time and era, many things, and the print is breathtaking.