Feeble are the words that are about to come from this writer. It is that way because there are few words to describe Dreyer's 1955 film, Ordet, without sounding dumb unless you are made of stone. This is quite possibly the most important film about spirituality ever made and as I commented to my roommate last night is a stark and beautiful contrast that I could only describe as "Antibergman" but you will have to watch for yourself to see if you agree.The film follows five main characters: A man, his three sons and the eldest son's wife. The five principles have differing levels of faith from "lost it long ago" all the way to claiming to be the person of Jesus of Nazareth to bring peace to the family through the hardships they will face soon.
How the film plays out is poetry on celluloid and I will endevour to say no more about the film in order to avoid spoiling it for anyone. If one has an interest in things spiritual, or just wants to see a fine film (the next to last film Dreyer directed) should look into viewing this film.
2 comments:
My experience of Dreyer extends only to VAMPYR and JOAN OF ARC but obviously he is a director to contend with. I very much want to see this film, even more after your comments. Critic Tom Milne who I wrote about recently on my blog was a great champion of Dreyer's work - I wish I'd listened to him years ago.
Very greatly intrigued by your description of this film -- which I haven't seen either!!! Being as WINTER LIGHT is now officially my second favourite film, I would love to catch up with ORDET. Many thanks for the heads up and putting ORDET at the top of my "must see" list!
Post a Comment