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Movie Review: Edvard Munch Alternate Title: The Scream Heard 'round the World
Story: 'The Scream', by Norwegian
artist Edvard Munch (1863-1944) is an image that most
people can easily visualize. It represents all of the angst, emotional
turmoil and despair that we are share. This restored version of the 1976 film is terrific.
If you like to watch artists toil, emote and passionately bring emotional
baggage to their art, then this film is for you. Director Peter
Watkins lovingly portrays this world famous artist in a cinema
verite style. The information for this film was taken from
Munch's own diaries. We see how the ghosts of his past reveal themselves
in his artwork. No artist works in a vacuum, and director Watkins successfully
shapes world events to match the social and economic times of Norway
and Europe in the late 19th Century. If you like art, artists, the creative process
and fine filmmaking, then this gem is for you. For more info on Munch and to
see some of his art work go to: http://www.ibiblio.org/wm/paint/auth/munch/
Acting: Other than Geir Westby as
a fine Munch most of the other actors were not professionals. Many of
the actresses reminded me of Liv Ullmann.
Predilection: I like films about artists.
Food: With all of that angst and tuberculosis there
is little time for fine dining.
Visual Art: More art than one could possibly want.
Theater Audience: A very crowded small theater where
this is probably the only place in the galaxy it is playing.
Drift Factor: It is a long film and I drifted when
I thought I needed to get home to walk my dog, Benny.
Soap Box: Not a soap box, more of a 'did you know'?
In the wonderful book Krakatoa: The Day the World Exploded:
August 27, 1883 by Simon Winchester I learned
lots of interesting stuff. Three months after the eruption
vivid red sunset afterglows were visible throughout the world for over
three years. It is thought that many of the artists of the day (including
Munch) were inspired by these amazing daily sunsets.
Big Screen or Rental: I doubt that you have a choice
but to rent this gem. For some other artist's biopics, try renting:
Vincent and Theo, Basquiat, Pollock and Frida
Length: Way over the two hour limit at 2 hours and
47 minutes. Ouch!
LOBO HOWLS: 7
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