Although the attempt to find suitable images for the world's greatest music is always doomed to failure - despite the claim that a picture is worth a thousand words - this movie does a far better job of this impossible task than Walt Disney's risible Fantasia. It treats its subject matter with the seriousness it deserves; while never trying to overshadow the music with the clever use of images that merely serve to prove how hopeless such an undertaking truly is.
Despite the fact that there is a clear struggle to find and shoot appropriate images in the quieter sections of the oratorio, this movie packs the required emotional punch when necessary by not trying too hard. This is a movie suffused with the sense of loss: Of lives, of potential and of the carefree days of childhood. The use of handheld super eight film has become an anachronistic cliché for childhood yet is used effectively – because used without apology - here.
If you happen to like both direct Derek Jarman and composer Benjamin Britten then you are doubly blessed and in for a considerable treat.
Copyright © 2009 Frank TALKER. Permission granted to reproduce and distribute it in any format; provided that mention of the author’s Weblog (http://franktalker5.blogspot.com/) is included: E-mail notification requested. All other rights reserved.
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