Mud Songs

I watched Fritz Lang’s 1931 film, M, last night. Generally, I’d say it’s not a bad movie (it’s pretty damn good in places), but it’s not likely to have much appeal to a general audience. It’s about a child-murderer and how the madness of crowds kicks in as people try to hunt him down. I had a hard time keeping my eyes open for some of it, specifically the scenes that have no sound. I made it to the end, but it felt like work. It’s the kind of film that’s probably more engaging for people who’ve studied German film history and know what to look for. I’ll have to watch it again some time when I’m more alert.

The Lives of Others is one of the most compelling, intriguing and eye-opening films I’ve seen in years — and sadly, it’s relevant too. I can’t add much to the linked review, so here are some quotes: “The Lives of Others is an excellent German film about life in the East German GDR before the fall of the Berlin Wall, when the population lived in constant fear of the secret police known as the Stasi. Writer-director Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck’s story of artists under surveillance by merciless, corrupt officials is gripping from beginning to end… [We learn] something about the arrogance, corruption and twisted psychology that result when “security” bureaucracies are given special powers.” It’s difficult to shake the impression that Stephen Harper, the current Prime Minister of Canada, would love to have this kind of power in his government. The amendment to Bill C-10 is just the beginning. This guy has got to go!

Burden of Dreams is more than just the making of Werner Herzog’s Fitzcarraldo. After Hearts of Darkness, there may be no better film that documents the inherent insanity of shooting a film on location (especially when that location is a hot, sticky, dirty jungle). Herzog says, “We have to articulate ourselves. Otherwise we would be cows in the field.” Okay.