In the past couple weeks we’ve struck gold with our rentals from Netflix.
The first was a period piece set in 18th century France based on a novel by Patrick Süskind titled Perfume: The Story of a Murderer. It’s a heartwarming tale of mystery that follows the preternatural ability of Jean Baptiste Grenouille and his sense of smell. His sniffer is on hyper drive and he finds a way to become a journeyman for Dustin Hoffman (who plays a once eminent perfumer in Paris). It’s a mesmerizing tale filmed masterfully and scored perfectly by director and composer Thomas Tykwer (of Run Lola Run fame). The film has received mixed reviews, but if you enjoy a macabre tale of social unrest and stunning visuals you will like this.
The other movie I’ve enjoyed recently was a film I have been reading about and eagerly awaiting its release on DVD for months: Into Great Silence. The story behind this film, from the film company Zeitgeist Films:
In 1984, German filmmaker Philip Gröning wrote to the Carthusian order for permission to make a documentary about them. They said they would get back to him. Sixteen years later, they were ready. Gröning, sans crew or artificial lighting, lived in the monks’ quarters for six months—filming their daily prayers, tasks, rituals and rare outdoor excursions. This transcendent, closely observed film seeks to embody a monastery, rather than simply depict one—it has no score, no voiceover and no archival footage. What remains is stunningly elemental: time, space and light.
Watching this film is the most engaging film experience I’ve ever had. You can’t view this film without feeling drawn into the experience of these monks. Whether or not you hold a fascination for ancient church music and liturgy, carry an interest in Catholicism, or even if you lack a curiosity for the source of the Chartreuse liquor, you will find something visceral, yet intellectual inside this film. It moves from high quality filming media and techniques to dated early 70′s film grade leaving the viewer with a feeling of timelessness within their experience of the life of these monks.
Some of my favorite movie sequences and images have been replaced with scenes from this almost three-hour-movie. If you have a quiet uninterrupted 3 hours on your hands and are looking for something to do, find a copy of this film and begin your journey.
Two great films, two highly positive and encouraging recommendations for you. Enjoy!