TCTTS talked about making an official thread. I just watched it so figured I'd go ahead and make one.
Haunting movie! Geez! On the Oscar thread someone used the term "banality of evil" and that hits the nail on the head.
I loved the cinematography. Most WW2 movies are shot with a gritty look, using the visuals to help paint the Nazis as evil, but this thing is pristine. It really adds to the effect of painting the every day life aspect of the film. The Nazi's aren't shot in some dark/evil manner, but rather are shown like regular people.
The sound of course is amazing, being almost the sole bearer of the evil backdrop of the movie.
This also strikes me as truly pure cinema. It is the epitome or "show me, don't tell me". Damn near all the dialogue could be cut and the effect would be similar. The visuals and music tell so much of the story!
I think along with the banality of the evil, the powerful message is one of vigilance and focus. It is easy to lose focus of the evil because of the everyday way it plays out. The ending with the museum and workers literally cleaning and polishing history paints a haunting message of the importance of not washing over the past, of paying attention and examining and never forgetting evil.
Haunting movie! Geez! On the Oscar thread someone used the term "banality of evil" and that hits the nail on the head.
I loved the cinematography. Most WW2 movies are shot with a gritty look, using the visuals to help paint the Nazis as evil, but this thing is pristine. It really adds to the effect of painting the every day life aspect of the film. The Nazi's aren't shot in some dark/evil manner, but rather are shown like regular people.
The sound of course is amazing, being almost the sole bearer of the evil backdrop of the movie.
This also strikes me as truly pure cinema. It is the epitome or "show me, don't tell me". Damn near all the dialogue could be cut and the effect would be similar. The visuals and music tell so much of the story!
I think along with the banality of the evil, the powerful message is one of vigilance and focus. It is easy to lose focus of the evil because of the everyday way it plays out. The ending with the museum and workers literally cleaning and polishing history paints a haunting message of the importance of not washing over the past, of paying attention and examining and never forgetting evil.