Director Oliver Herrmann uses Igor Stravinsky's The Rites of Spring (Le Sacre du Printemps) performed by the Berliner Philharmonic conducted by Simon Rattle as the basis/backdrop/soundtrack for a silent movie.
The film leads the viewer into the world of Santeria. Three people, unknown to each other, have their lives interlinked. To create humans 'God' bakes them in an oven like biscuits. 'God' baptises them and sends them on their way through life. 'God' also creates their city on a table - and the film ends on this table as well. Throughout 'God' is watching their progress, hardships, happiness and sadness through a telescope.
Dr Bardot has an obsession about cleanliness/hygiene. Lucia is obsessed with sex yet unfulfilled and unhappy. Since her husband has passed away, Esther is obsessed with death.
When the characters hit rock bottom, 'God' uses two coins to cause a solar eclipse during which they are transported to a tropical island to partake in a ritual.
The visuals are astounding. One is never sure whether 'God' is male or female, the transitions of the humans and guardian angels from baked dolls to human beings are subtle but unmistakable and the wordless actions of the three central characters as well as the rest of the cast are flawless. (Lucia's jealous father watching her having sex is but one example.)
What as stroke of genius to take Stravinsky's music away from the ballet and give it a fresh look and meaning. Here the sacrifice of the virgin takes on an altogether different meaning...
Lovers of art films and art music should make a point of watching this. The music was recorded especially for the film. It's released on DVD by ARTHAUS MUSIK. A must see. Please note the film contains nudity
The film leads the viewer into the world of Santeria. Three people, unknown to each other, have their lives interlinked. To create humans 'God' bakes them in an oven like biscuits. 'God' baptises them and sends them on their way through life. 'God' also creates their city on a table - and the film ends on this table as well. Throughout 'God' is watching their progress, hardships, happiness and sadness through a telescope.
Dr Bardot has an obsession about cleanliness/hygiene. Lucia is obsessed with sex yet unfulfilled and unhappy. Since her husband has passed away, Esther is obsessed with death.
When the characters hit rock bottom, 'God' uses two coins to cause a solar eclipse during which they are transported to a tropical island to partake in a ritual.
The visuals are astounding. One is never sure whether 'God' is male or female, the transitions of the humans and guardian angels from baked dolls to human beings are subtle but unmistakable and the wordless actions of the three central characters as well as the rest of the cast are flawless. (Lucia's jealous father watching her having sex is but one example.)
What as stroke of genius to take Stravinsky's music away from the ballet and give it a fresh look and meaning. Here the sacrifice of the virgin takes on an altogether different meaning...
Lovers of art films and art music should make a point of watching this. The music was recorded especially for the film. It's released on DVD by ARTHAUS MUSIK. A must see. Please note the film contains nudity
