Review of Gertrud (1964) by Lisa M — 21 Nov 2003

Viewed 11/21/03 (DVD) (First Viewing).

In [b]Gertrud[/b]'s world, life is an endless series of sofas to sit upon while indulging in "deep" conversations in monotone voices. It gets a little old after a while.

That said, [b]Gertrud[/b] has a remarkable drawing power, and I'm not sure if I should credit the lead performance of Nina Pens Rode or Dreyer's direction, or both. The black and white photography and mise-en-scéne is nothing short of amazing. Another dazzling directoral flourish is the overexposure of sunlight that casts a ethereal, otherworldly glow over the figures and their sterile, if elegant, environment. Highlights include scenes between Rode and Baard Owe (the young and reckless pianist) that are delicately handled and beautifully repressed.

[b]Gertrud[/b] is the kind of film that alternately attracts and repels. On one hand, it's visually gorgeous and sections are entrancing. But on the other hand, it's not enjoyable in the least and the obvious theatricality is off-putting.

Though it never reaches the same heights as Dreyer's silent masterpiece [b]Le Passion de Jeanne d'Arc[/b], [b]Gertrud[/b] is a fitting climax to the career of one of cinema's undisputed masters and is a film that should be watched at least once in a film buff's lifetime.