A review by Linda Stonerock
The work of filmmaker Bruno Dumont is singular in my experience. His view of human beings has been referred to as Hobbesian (the philosophy that all human action is motivated by selfish concerns and fear, especially of death), and his depiction of nature, the macrocosm, is vast and all encompassing. Nature, and humans as part of it, is simply a fact. But nature with a capital N, goes on long after humans and their selfish acts disappear. All the films I've seen by Dumont embody this theme.
His latest, "Outside Satan" will have its Colorado premiere this coming week at the IFS (Tuesday, 10/30, 7 p.m. and Wednesday, 10/31, 7 p.m.). I have only viewed a screener, and am looking forward to seeing the beautiful photography this film contains on the big screen. The depth of field is such that the eye is invited to wander through every long-held shot, and that exploration is rewarded over and over again. Nature abides in all it's bounty and apathy. The camera travels with the characters through many terrains, and a scene of pilgrimage to the sea shore is breathtaking in particular.
As an indicator of how archetypal Dumont's view of human beings is, the two protagonists here are only referred to as "the guy" and "the girl." The action takes place in an unnamed hamlet somewhere in Northern coastal France. What's it about? The story begins with a murder. A very matter-of-fact murder. Was it justified? Some people think so. For others, it causes great pain. Later on there is a sort of miracle healing, more than one beating, flirtation, rough sex, attraction and repulsion, prayer, anger, fear, hiding and revelation.
It's an exploration of good and evil. Do they exist in pure forms, are they two sides of the same coin, is evil ever a positive force, is good ever a negative force?? Decide for yourself. The film is certainly provocative and contemplative. There is no soundtrack except the ambient sounds of nature and short exchanges of dialogue. You've got to settle in to Dumont's rhythms and let him lead you through this quiet world.
As in many other art films, the viewer is left with more questions than answers. For me that haunting quality is worthwhile, and characterizes some of my favorite films.
I'll leave you with the quote from an interview with the director:
"You don't have to be civilized in the movies, only when you come out of the theater...to be civilized you have to experience barbarism."
Better here than out on the street...
I'm all about the nasty, brutish, and short. Or, I would have been in less comparatively halycon days.
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