Review of Nostalgia for the Light (2010) by Michael D — 13 Aug 2012

A beautifully understated and moving film-essay dealing with Chilean history but also about how the past, to quote Utah Phillips, doesn't really go anywhere. By interviewing semingly disparate groups such as archaeologists, astronomers and survivors of the brutal Pinochet regime, Guzmán brings home the overwhelming influence the past has on us as individuals and countenances us to not dismiss those who seek to make sense of their lives by refusing to 'let go'.

It reminded me a little of Herzog's 'Cave of Forgotten Dreams' but is much more rounded as a film with more ideas to express and interesting stories to tell. Like that film there are also awe-inspiring visuals with some gorgeous footage of the Atacama Desert and the distant universe from the Hubble telescope so do make sure you try to catch it on the big screen.