The Color of Pomegranates (D or 1/4 stars)
I believe that I have a pretty high tolerance for obscure, offbeat filmmaking. Having said that, my reaction to Sergei Paradjanov's surrealistic, avant garde 'The Color of Pomegranates' shows me that, unfortunately, not every film is for me. Still, I realize that some films aren't always made for entertainment - but rather - some are made for artistic integrity; defying filmic conventions & audience expectation. So what's this movie about? It metaphorically retells the life of 18th century Armenian poet/music composer, Sayat Nova {sounds riveting, right?} It's basically a stylized tribute to the poet told through ornate images that's meant to show the poet's life rather than using the conventional storytelling techniques. In others words ... there is no plot or dialogue.
Filmed entirely with a still camera {ugh}, this film makes no attempt to convey any sense of realism. Instead, I would say that only person who knows what's going on is the director; seeing the world through his beautiful, but strange perspective. The narrative (if there is one) traces his life from childhood to his time as a carpet weaver to famedom as an archbishop to martyrdom and his death ... but there's nothing that I could latch into; no insight. Even subtitles explained nothing to me. i.e., "How am I to protect my wax-built castles of love from the devouring heat of your fires?”). That sounds pretty. But to whom is it referencing? I realize the obvious effort & intent that went into this movie, but I am at a COMPLETE loss to comprehend what it's trying to say.
'The Color of Pomegranates' is filled with strange, but evocative images (religious, animalistic, mercurial). But again, when I tried to put my finger on what exactly is being evoked ... I got nothin'. There are passing moments that are indeed gorgeous, but mostly the movie just feels ... weird. Of course, the fact that I have no knowledge of Armenian folklore doesn't help my reaction to it; but a good film should express a universality that anyone can comprehend. As for the characters who are dolled-up in admittedly beautiful costumes & make-up ... who cares? It all felt like I was watching poetic conceits. If anyone who isn't Armenian understands this movie from beginning to end, then I say, "more power to you". I just constantly felt like an outsider looking in at a thing of complete, but unaffecting beauty.
Filmed entirely with a still camera {ugh}, this film makes no attempt to convey any sense of realism. Instead, I would say that only person who knows what's going on is the director; seeing the world through his beautiful, but strange perspective. The narrative (if there is one) traces his life from childhood to his time as a carpet weaver to famedom as an archbishop to martyrdom and his death ... but there's nothing that I could latch into; no insight. Even subtitles explained nothing to me. i.e., "How am I to protect my wax-built castles of love from the devouring heat of your fires?”). That sounds pretty. But to whom is it referencing? I realize the obvious effort & intent that went into this movie, but I am at a COMPLETE loss to comprehend what it's trying to say.
'The Color of Pomegranates' is filled with strange, but evocative images (religious, animalistic, mercurial). But again, when I tried to put my finger on what exactly is being evoked ... I got nothin'. There are passing moments that are indeed gorgeous, but mostly the movie just feels ... weird. Of course, the fact that I have no knowledge of Armenian folklore doesn't help my reaction to it; but a good film should express a universality that anyone can comprehend. As for the characters who are dolled-up in admittedly beautiful costumes & make-up ... who cares? It all felt like I was watching poetic conceits. If anyone who isn't Armenian understands this movie from beginning to end, then I say, "more power to you". I just constantly felt like an outsider looking in at a thing of complete, but unaffecting beauty.