Man from Earth
Wednesday, 7. January 2009, 13:55:36
I can't begin to describe the brilliance, ingenuity and efficacy of this small movie. It's low budget, in fact very very low. But that doesn't deter the narrative of this cleverly crafted sci-fi tale. Last post, I marvelled at 'The Day the Earth stood Still', especially at its ability to maintain the pace of the movie without special effects, expansive action sequences , instead just relying on the crisp dialogues. Well, Man from Earth easily surpasses these standards expected.
The movie is solely based in the living room of the protagonist's (a badly punned 'John Oldman') and the porch of this house. It's amazing how the movie sustains itself for one and a half hours just in these two places. Reminded me of '12 angry men' or even 'Rear Window' (Cinematically, no where as close, but, one has to give leniency keeping in mind its shoe-string budget).
I can't divulge much details about the movie without revealing its little twists and turns. The protagonist is a Faust like figure (without the extensive mythos) who uses his longetivity in the quest for knowledge. A bunch of professors discuss the possibility of such a 14,000 year old man existing in today's society. In the process, it brings forth ideas of science, human nature, faith and religion. The latter being the film's strong point. It basically highlights the evolution of a simple thought into current-day religion that is so full of futile rituals and absurd mythology. Its conclusions make 'The Da Vinci Code' sound like kindergarten literature.
On the flip side of the coin - the movie does have its foibles. The acting is average, but it does in no way hinder the narrative. There's lot of flat jokes (especially from the biologist) and a few inane dialogues. The movie has a very low budget feel to it (well, it is very low budget). But these are amply compensated by the story itself.
The movie is apparently impossible to find (Which is why I downloaded it. Apparently the producers have no problem with illegal downloads). But, if perchance, you can procure the movie DVD, I would suggest you catch it. Any movie that kept me thoroughly engrossed (I slept half-way through movie behemoths 'Transformers' and the recent Star Wars prequels) deserves,
10 out of 10
(0%)
WIDGETIZE
Deke # 15. January 2009, 22:33
Kingnutin # 16. January 2009, 12:43
Deke # 16. January 2009, 22:17
I think we should be told.
Kingnutin # 17. January 2009, 09:04
Deke # 17. January 2009, 23:26
But that's another story...
Kingnutin # 10. March 2009, 13:52
Deke # 11. March 2009, 01:08
I made up the bit about the dung though.
If the farmer didn't want you in his field he'd just shoo the cattle into it.