Review of At Land (1944) by Brent G — 21 Sep 2009

The only previous deren i'd seen was "meshes of the afternoon," which I think is quite masterful in many ways. at land is not as good, but still has strengths. I think why I like deren so much is because i'm so understanding of self-exploration and the study of one's role within society.

I like that deren is so freely making herself vulnerable in film, and it does tend to make an impression on me. I like her! at land doesn't have any effects or camera tricks or any sort of particular style that sets it apart; it seems to exist solely to make a statement, which is one reason I feel it suffers; while meshes of the afternoon uses cinema to reveal something about herself and society at large, at land seems to kinda be like, "okkkkk.

.. she could've just told me that, or written a poem." although it's easy to say that, because the idea of not belonging in traditional society and being on her own journey in nature could certainly be worse! I like the last few minutes, where she's running across the beach holding chess pieces while her previous selfs look on at her.

.. I think those last few minutes, as well as the very beginning with the waves crashing backwards, were the most gripping poetic moments, but as a whole, this seemed to fall short on substance.