EXCELLENT DVD Commentary by Nava
I have just watched/listened to the DVD commentary (North American DVD release) by the director.
Now THAT is what I always hope for in a commentary!!!
I like DVD commentaries, but most of them I find disappointing. Yes, I find anecdotes about the making of the film interesting, and, yes, a discussion of the technical aspects of the filmmaking can be worthwhile, but most DVD commentaries take 99% of the time with some combination of just those two things alone. I am usually MUCH more interested in hearing the commentator discuss the MEANING of the film. In fact, I am usually hungry for that sort of discussion, and most commentaries leave me starving. Instead, Nava offers the listener a banquet. 90% of his discussion concerns the film's meaning.
First, he comes prepared. Most DVD commentaries are these slapdash, off-the-cuff reactions to the film as it plays; such sloppiness I find insulting to the listener. Nava has clearly thought through what he wants to say and where, and he jam-packs the two-plus hours of commentary with information.
Second, he lays himself on the line. He gives his full explanation of the film. Sure, it's true that a director, like an author, should not necessarily be considered the God of his/her creation, the source of the only correct interpretation. Such a view is naive, and it stunts further thought on the part of the listener/viewer. HOWEVER, so many directors seem to hide behind this idea, trying to maintain an auteur mystique wherein it's somehow cool to say, "Damn it! Don't ask me to tell you what it means! I'm an artist!!" The fact is, so many directors lack the brains and the reflection to be able to articulate the possible meanings of their films. Nava is obviously not such a person. He and his ex-wife clearly put a lot of thought into this movie, and years later he is able to explain his thoughts in full detail-- in an intelligent and thought-provoking manner.
I am greatly appreciative, and the commentary makes me think more highly of the film itself.