THE MILL AND THE CROSS
vancity aug 17 8:45 | aug 18 6:45
Poland, 2011, 35mm, 92 min.
Directed by: Lech Majewski
Cast: Rutger Hauer, Charlotte Rampling, Michael York
With creative verve, historical knowledge and aesthetic and political insight Polish artist Lech Majewski brings Pieter Bruegel’s 1564 frieze, The Way to Calvary to life. Bruegel’s canvas transports Christ’s passion to rustic Flanders. It teems with the drama of everyday life. Using computer-generated blue-screen compositing, a massive backdrop painted by Majewski himself, and marshalling dozens of actors, animals and extras, the filmmaker explores this fixed moment inside and out. Among other things, the film is a dazzling tribute to the art of painting and a deft demonstration of the camera’s capacity for time-travel.
“Transfixing… an inspiring, alluring meditation about imagery and storytelling, the common coin of history, religion and art.” —Daniel M Gold, The New York Times
“Here is a film before which words fall silent… If you see no more than the opening shots you will never forget them… A film of great beauty and attention, and watching it is a form of meditation.” **** —Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
“A feat of artistry worthy of its source. Majewski takes us deep inside the Flemish’s master’s beautiful nightmare… A dazzling master class in visual composition… Coalesces into a surprisingly moving finale. After toil and terror, there can still be joy.” **** —Erik Hynes, Time Out New York
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