This is a challenging film, that ignores the conventions of filmmaking, instead utilising the techniques of 'epic theatre' extolled by Bertold Brecht. The audience is presented with a narrative that is entirely spoken in a series of exchanges between amateur actors who do not move or 'act' out scenes, they simply stand and deliver dialogue. The dialogue is based on the five final scenes of Cesare Pavese's Dialogues with Leucrò, a series of meditations on human destiny, both comical and tragic, between ancient Greek mythological figures. Having a story told with no attempt to convey it visually, via action, props, setting or costume, forces the audience to focus on the words and doesn't allow them to suspend their disbelief. This is a film and the audience should remain conscious of that throughout, at least that's the theory.
Straub and Huillet made many films in this style, which is ambitious, if not entertaining. They address large themes in an uncompromising style, which is admirable, but ultimately this film is an experiment in filmed theatre that could only play at film festivals or in galleries/museums.
Straub and Huillet made many films in this style, which is ambitious, if not entertaining. They address large themes in an uncompromising style, which is admirable, but ultimately this film is an experiment in filmed theatre that could only play at film festivals or in galleries/museums.
