Films that depict a historical event are always such a tricky business. On the one hand, they can shed light on that event, and thus offer the audience education and information about events they may not have known, on the other hand, it happens again and again in film history that the events were distorted for the purpose of their own propagandistic ideology, at the expense of the individuals who experienced those events. These events are then given a dramatic narrative, which in itself (for many critics like Mr. Haneke) represents a moral dilemma. Is it allowed, or should it be allowed, to re-stage such historical tragedies at all? Even in the context of art, one should not extract moments of tension from certain real events in order to manipulate the audience into having an emotional reaction to these cinematographic elements.
I understand this criticism, but I think that such a re-enactment of historical events can work, especially if it is done from a personal, artistically tasteful, non-commercial point of view. And this is exactly what Quo Vadis, Aida? Manages to do, in my opinion. Especially the feelings of tension and fear that are so masterfully brought out by Jasmila Zbanic's staging do not feel contrived and clichéd, but thoroughly human and sensitive.
Quo Vadis, Aida? Could very easily have fallen into the category of classic Oscar bait, but the film offers us the complete opposite. Instead, we are presented with unadulterated moments of Bosnian genocide, moments of frustration and horror. Moments that remind us how cruel humanity can be. Overall, this is a war film that comes closest to the suffering of Come and See - cold, painful, inescapable. Yet always honest, emphatic towards those who suffer, and with such an unimpeachable staging elegance that is rarely seen in contemporary cinema.
Influences that I could detect based on the film language were definitely traces of Villeneuve due to the visual iconographic elements - especially the camera work and lighting design. For a european film and considering the budget, the film looks operatic and massive, yet intricate simultaneously.
It's a shame that Jasna Djuricic couldn't achieve more recognition at the various awards ceremonies, but we're already used to that. The performance will live on, and speaks for itself, it doesn't need a decorative yet ultimately unsubstantial trophy.
I understand this criticism, but I think that such a re-enactment of historical events can work, especially if it is done from a personal, artistically tasteful, non-commercial point of view. And this is exactly what Quo Vadis, Aida? Manages to do, in my opinion. Especially the feelings of tension and fear that are so masterfully brought out by Jasmila Zbanic's staging do not feel contrived and clichéd, but thoroughly human and sensitive.
Quo Vadis, Aida? Could very easily have fallen into the category of classic Oscar bait, but the film offers us the complete opposite. Instead, we are presented with unadulterated moments of Bosnian genocide, moments of frustration and horror. Moments that remind us how cruel humanity can be. Overall, this is a war film that comes closest to the suffering of Come and See - cold, painful, inescapable. Yet always honest, emphatic towards those who suffer, and with such an unimpeachable staging elegance that is rarely seen in contemporary cinema.
Influences that I could detect based on the film language were definitely traces of Villeneuve due to the visual iconographic elements - especially the camera work and lighting design. For a european film and considering the budget, the film looks operatic and massive, yet intricate simultaneously.
It's a shame that Jasna Djuricic couldn't achieve more recognition at the various awards ceremonies, but we're already used to that. The performance will live on, and speaks for itself, it doesn't need a decorative yet ultimately unsubstantial trophy.