Review of Jeanne Dielman, 23, quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles (1976) by Maxwell S — 28 Sep 2012

Jeanne Dielman is the magnum opus of minimalist films, regardless of it being very under-known. If you haven't found yourself in awe within the first hour, you might as well turn it off. It would prove to be one of the most influential films in upcoming film directors, such as Kieslowski. And if you think you're not going to like it, you probably won't. This film doesn't require patience, it requires the urge to expand your knowledge of the art of film, and this film certainly satisfies that. It's a film that stands alone in any category you put it in. No matter how in depth you analyze any technicality in this film, it will prove to be masterful. This film introduces new structural techniques, and bends them as far as possible without breaking the technical/artistic morals of Akerman. Never will a minimalist film be as groundbreaking as this, nor will one be as artistic, however "Taste of Cherry" would probably the closest to doing so. Chantel Akerman has made one of the few true masterpieces that should place within the 50 greatest films ever made.

Edit: Apparently this film has placed #36 on the sight and sound poll's critics top 250. So, I suppose that makes my last remark more accurate.