12 films on the phenomenon of time
How do filmmakers deal with time in their stories? As our routines and perception of time are disrupted by the coronavirus crisis, here are a few film recommendations with which to slow down at home.
A journey through space and time: 2001: 'A Space Odyssey'
For many film fans, the definitive space epic. Stanley Kubrick's philosophical film trip remains as fascinating today as it was when it came out in 1968. It begins in primitive times on Earth, continues in space and ends in a psychedelic frenzy of color. In these times of crisis, the cinematic journey through time and space offers a lot to ponder about.
A look in the mirror: 'Paris, Texas'
The winner of Cannes' Palme d'Or in 1984, Wim Wenders' "Paris, Texas" is a classic of "slow cinema." Travis (Harry Dean Stanton) attemps to reconnect with his own past in the middle of the Texas desert. Memorable for its spectacular cinematography, this meditative work also explores existential questions — definitely inspiring in times of uncertainty.
Expanding time: 'Marseille'
"This director is something special," wrote the "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung" newspaper about German director Angela Schanelec, following the release of her film "Marseille" in 2004. She "sets up rooms like a stage, and allows images to stand like photographs, thereby sending, in these minimalist settings, the viewer's eye on a journey." Schanelec is the master of reduction.
French slowness: 'La belle noiseuse'
An artist paints a portrait of his female model: That's basically all that happens in Jacques Rivette's film "La belle noiseuse" (The Beautiful Troublemaker). Is it possible to turn such a plot into a 240-minute film? The French director provided his answer in 1991. Starring Emmanuelle Beart and Michel Piccoli, the work is about the mechanisms of art — and the passing of time.
'Les petites fugues' from Switzerland
What do you do when retirement gives you a lot of time and you're open to new experiences? Swiss documentarian Yves Versin made his only feature film, "Les petites fugues" (Little Escapes), in 1979. It's the story of Pipe (Michel Robin l.), who after spending his whole life working on the farm, discovers the joys of traveling. He buys a moped — and goes on a helicopter trip to the Zugspitze.
Film philosophy from Greece: 'Eternity and a Day'
Just like many major early thinkers, one of the greatest philosophers of cinema was from Greece. The works of Theodoros Angelopoulos (1935-2012) were characterized by long tracking shots, little dialogue and extended minimalist scenes. The titles of his films reflected his approach: Above is a still from " Eternity and a Day" (1998) with Bruno Ganz.
Master of tranquility: Yasihuro Ozu's ' Tokyo Story'
To many cinephiles, he's a cinema god. Japanese director Yasujiro Ozu (1903-1963) worked with the concepts of time and silence like no other. In films such as "Tokyo Story," in which an elderly couple visits their children, he portrayed the lives of his protagonists with great sensitivity and humanity. Ozu was a master of mindfulness.
Philosophy from Russia: Tarkovsky's 'Stalker'
Russian filmmaker Andrei Tarkowski (1939-1986) was another philosopher in the director's chair. Before his early death due to lung cancer, he directed seven feature films, all of them masterpieces. Like Ozu, Tarkowski was renowned for his slow-paced narrative style. His science-fiction art film "Stalker" (1979) was incredibly influential in the history of cinema.
With a lawnmower through the US: 'The Straight Story'
David Lynch, the master of absurdist horror, surprised his fans with an exceptionally straight story in 1999, as the title of the biographical film indicates. It portrays an ageing man who decides to visit his estranged brother, traveling 400 kilometers on his lawnmower tractor to do so. "The Straight Story" is another slow story.
Fine beauty: 'In the Mood for Love'
A man and a woman who know that their spouses are having an affair develop their own strong link: Hong Kong director Wong Kar-Wai offered a film that seduced film fans and critics alike in 2000 with "In the Mood for Love." The cinematography, the music and the poetry of the work redefined the concept of film aesthetics.
An animal's world: 'Gunda'
To conclude this list, two films that haven't been released in theaters yet: "Gunda," by Russian director Viktor Kosakovskiy, offers a satisfying challenge to cinephiles who enjoy philosophical films. Following its world premiere at the Berlinale, it is set for theatrical release in August. A 90-minute silent film on a sow and her young piglets? Incredibly, it's exceptional cinema.
A tender Western: 'First Cow'
In the US and Canada, Kelly Reichardt's film "First Cow" had its start in cinemas shortly before the coronavirus outbreak forced them to close. It might get a better run in Europe later on this year. Also featured at the Berlinale, the film is a slow-paced Western telling the story of two outsiders in Oregon at the end of the 19th century — a surprisingly appeasing take on the genre.