Review of Waltz with Bashir (2008) by Matt R — 19 Aug 2009
Truly a unique film in its subject matter and its technique. I've yet to watch the extras but the animation technique used was spectacular. The story unfolds as a two friends, both former soldiers, meet regarding one friend's haunting dreams 20 years after a wartime incident. The filmmaker to whom he turns begins to hunt down memories he has lost, and not only do we learn about isolated wartime incidents (specifically the massacres he witnessed in Beirut in the 1980's) but we learn about how memories get compartmentalized in many minds of military personnel.
Taking these devastating memories and turning them into a film, Ari Folman incorporated interviews with comrades and oral history becomes a graphic novel becomes a film...it is stark and harsh and yet has the feel of a dream in many parts; this is not accidental.
The use of music is masterful and deserves mention.
The end of the film (I won't give it away) is a startling, chilling montage that brings it all to light. I saw this on DVD but can only imagine the silence of an audience leaving the movie theater.
This review of Waltz with Bashir (2008) was written by Matt R on 19 Aug 2009.
Waltz with Bashir has generally received very positive reviews.
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