Review of Landscape in the Mist

Alas, The Left Index has met its match. Usually, the index concerns seven variables when considering a film--acting, production scenes, dialogue, plot, character development, artistry, and continuity--on a scale ranging from a high of 10 to a low of 1. Generally, a mix of rating results in some score which demonstrates the strong and weak points in a film. With this film, every variable is ranked a 10, simply because the film is sensational in all areas. The film is powerful, intense and spellbinding. Everything is related to everything else, which, in effect, results in an organic whole which is seldom achieved in film. The acting is connected with the decisions the two children make as the travel to Germany, even not knowing where it is or what it is. They constantly have to decide whom to trust, how to avoid dangers, or which way is north. The production scenes are unparalleled, especially the snow scene at the police station, the horse and wedding in the town square, and the motorcycle rally. There are dozens of others just as good. The plot is propelled by constant dramatic action, which gradually intensifies towards the conclusion. Not matter what the viewer is prepared for, there are continual unexpected events which reinforce the plot. Character development is superb, as the children become both wiser and more experienced as they near their goal. Dialogue is sparse, words are spoken only when necessary, and some scenes are wordless. After all, film is a medium where one sees things happen. The films strongest point is in the combination of continuity and artistry. In a word, it is surreal in the classical manner of Salvadore Dali and Pablo Picasso. One is especially cognizant of Dali's "Persistance of Memory" in terms of the wide expanses of space. In fact, Theo Angelopoulos employs the three element of 20th century surrealism--land, sky, and water--very effectively. There are obvious allusions to Picasso's "Saltimbasques" with the traveling theater. Angelopoulos' illusion to the hand of God from the Sistine Chapel is unmistakable, especially with the missing finger which symbolizes human contact with salvation. All in all, The Left Elbow Index rates the film a 10-plus. I strongly recommend this film. Aristotle would have loved it. I think you will, too.