Review of Woman in the Dunes (1964) by Jarett B — 23 Feb 2011

Holy ever-loving Christ... Where do I start? How do I start to describe this? I'm not even sure if I know how... It's not that it's difficult to follow, as it's narrative structure is classical, but there is something so indescribable about Dunes that I'm drawing a blank.

I started off curious; curious turned to worry and then repulsion; repulsion gives way to sympathy; back to curious; and then completely f**king uncertain what to think. I do know a few things: this is an EPIC film, not in terms of Hollywood epics or David Lean marathon films, but just in narrative/emotional scope (as there is really only one location.

.. take a guess where it takes place?). Grab yourself the director's cut, just in case there is anything left out of the theatrical cut (I don't know personally as I've only seen the Director's Cut, but NEVER does the film drag or feel tedious).

Finally... it's just a mystical, magical piece of work. I felt like I was watching a Japanese Bergman flick, just with a tad less emotional torment! Now, that's a selling point if I ever saw one! "Ladies and Gentleman.

.. Introducing.... the MASTERPIECE 'Woman in the Dunes' directors cut... NOW, and for a limited time only, with 5% LESS emotional torment!! See it before we're forced to increase your visual suffering!".