Review of Pelle the Conqueror (1987) by Reginald R — 20 Apr 2005

I'm on a strict diet of cutting dead air from my days. Right now it seems to be resulting in film watching. About four films a day average. I don't expect to keep that up, nor would I want to. But I do need to get things done instead of sitting around daydreaming.

[b]The Mission[/b] is an exceptionally powerful and beautiful film with a very real and important message. First half 7, second half 9.

[b]Persona[/b] by Ingmar Bergman is a very fascinating and sharp psychological study. Good monologues and an interesting contrast. Very skillful delving into the possibilities of that setting.There's one question I was left wondering about: the boy touching the invisible glass, is that like the boy in the picture viewed from inside the picture? Bah, I don't know what the hell I'm asking you for. Just thought it'd be interesting to know how much of those surreal bits were purposeful with some distinct aim in mind, other than the psychological atmosphere at large.

[b]El Viento se llevó lo qué[/b] or Wind With the Gone, was a delightful little absurd comedy by Alejandro Agresti, I'll rate it as 6. About a village where the main entertainment is the movie theater. Yeah, kinda like in Cinema Paradiso which I saw the other day. The film was enjoyable, though a little unprofessional. Maybe not enough good material for all it's length.

Denmark has a noticeably good tradition of cinema. Funny how many late eighties foreign film oscar winners I've seen lately.

[b]Pelle the Conqueror[/b] shows why Polanski's Tess, which I saw some day ago, wasn't very great. This film has some flaws too however, but luckily they're not too severe. There could be more (especially indirect) dialogue, and it could be more polished. Also some little subplots don't work too well. Minor flaws.

You know, I've decided that my third poem, when I write it, is going to be an ode to imperfection.