Review of The Devil at 4 O'Clock (1961) by Elena . — 30 May 2007

Yeah, I saw this movie at a late night showing, quite long ago. I guess movies you see late at night, that cross your path by complete chance affect you more than any Bergman ever could. The poster you see walking home one night, a bit old, a bit battered by the wind and rain at a revival theater, showcasing this movie you know nothing about.. and the choice to go and see it, after a long, deep look at the image before you, become a sort of initiation that is something all your own Past classics, past perfection and past pretension, just something you can know, understand, and enjoy.

Maybe this movie isn't much, and the near-empty theater can surely vouch for that, but there was an intimacy I felt watching this movie that night, about redemption, or whatever it was about (it was very long ago..) that was more explosive than it ever could've been during the day, at any other place.

I remember every single image, and the feeling I had watching it.. but I really can't say what it was about, just that it had some pretty powerful images that can imprint themselves on your mind like ink seeping on a wet napkin, at the right place and at the right time. Not very helpful, I know.