COW IN THE FIELD is fascinating because it is about underlying predation over natural beings. Without a single bit of traditional, explanatory dialogue, we are barraged by a low-level constancy of auctioneer vocals, selling out the cows that graze unaware within fenced-off confines.
In this simply effective way, Director Noda achieves a documentary spin by way of Kubrickian menace. The auctioneer voice is unrelenting...and then we occasionally revert back to the naturalistic sounds of the environment...as the camera imposes, there are times when the cows are completely aware they are being observed. In connection to the selling voices, there is an amplification of this sense of imposition.
I like the changing of film-stock, shutter speed, and natural lighting, as these shifts add to the general sense of unease. There is a period music-track choice later in the piece, that artfully comments on the unwitting heroism of the sacrificial cows' plight.
This is a short film with an underlying intentional, socially-conscious theme.
In this simply effective way, Director Noda achieves a documentary spin by way of Kubrickian menace. The auctioneer voice is unrelenting...and then we occasionally revert back to the naturalistic sounds of the environment...as the camera imposes, there are times when the cows are completely aware they are being observed. In connection to the selling voices, there is an amplification of this sense of imposition.
I like the changing of film-stock, shutter speed, and natural lighting, as these shifts add to the general sense of unease. There is a period music-track choice later in the piece, that artfully comments on the unwitting heroism of the sacrificial cows' plight.
This is a short film with an underlying intentional, socially-conscious theme.