MovieChat Forums > White Material (2010) Discussion > Incredible

Incredible

posted 13 years ago by cinesteam
8 replies | jump to latest

I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed this piece. Denis is a one
kind of filmmmaker. Every one of her films is visceral and open,
a pure cinematic experience that is to be enjoyed and cherished.

I think one of my favorite sequences was Maria's bike ride
at the beginning of the film, whereas she is seemingly
soaking up the hot African sun. It is clear she feels at
home and the sun just radiates off her.

I think as always people will have problems with any filmmakers'
ability to capture such a great feel, tone, and atmosphere
with a little to no plot work. That's not to say that there is not a plot,
but it's sparse and the viewer is meant to look deeper
into the layers at play.

One interesting note that I think Denis wants the viewer to look
at is how much the coffee plantation is apart of Maria's soul. It's
invested within her and how far she is willing to go before inevitably
losing that part of her, but for the most part I think that is somewhat
obvious.

[inject cathexis]

[–] Revolutionow 13 years ago

I agree about the bike ride. Beautiful scene.

ce n'est pas une image juste, c'est juste une image

[–] cinesteam 13 years ago

great movie too.

[inject cathexis]

[–] Revolutionow 13 years ago

Absolutely. I love her work and this film is among her best.

ce n'est pas une image juste, c'est juste une image

[–] TemporaryOne-1 13 years ago

Agreed.

The motorbike ride, that was an extremely sensual and sensorious experience, not only setting the tone for the film, but defining Maria as a physical, integrated part of Africa, born of Africa, her skin translucent and assimilating the light and heat and dust of the earth, one and the same.

[–] cinesteam 13 years ago

exactly.

[inject cathexis]

[–] nutsberryfarm 10 years ago

the scene when the dad was out by the pool and the son asked what he saw, he lied. yet it was protective and humane: the dad's lie. very profound & moving moment.

Key to winning baseball games? Pitching, fundamentals, and three run homers.-Earl Weaver

[–] PoppyTransfusion 13 years ago

I think one of my favorite sequences was Maria's bike ride
at the beginning of the film, whereas she is seemingly
soaking up the hot African sun. It is clear she feels at
home and the sun just radiates off her.

I liked this scene too and her comment about those (the men in the helicopter warning her to leave) who don't appreciate the beauty of the land.

I think Denis wants the viewer to look
at is how much the coffee plantation is apart of Maria's soul. It's
invested within her and how far she is willing to go before inevitably
losing that part of her, but for the most part I think that is somewhat
obvious.

The theme of identity is woven throughout the film. I was very much struck by the fact that her son was born in the mysterious country the film is set in. When the rebels call for the white material to leave it's the reverse situation of what many non-white children of immigrants experience in western countries - where would he go? It's his birth place and home.

I'm a fountain of blood
In the shape of a girl

[–] 13 years ago

[deleted]