soa

His past would appear to conceal a dark secret, the existence of which is nothing more than alluded to: in the absence of explanations the viewer is instead given but a sense of the protagonist's pain and anger. In place of commentary we find long takes that comprise sweeping landscapes and the haunting sound of nature, in contrast to which human destiny pales into insignificance and almost disappears from sight. The viewer is afforded time to reflect, with the contemplative silence merely interrupted by scenes from the village pub: men chat about women, turbo-folk blares from the speakers. More however than a silent film on mankind’s role within the universe, this is a wonderfully composed, if somewhat somber work of art that makes for captivating viewing, encourages reflection and is better understood when not subject to rational analysis. JG