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Simply Perfect

I don't have all the words right now but this film is a work of art.

Don't listen to the negative reviews

A lot of perfectly good film show their cards early, establish a unique premise and let the audience explore a topic at a leisurely pace, without much in terms of surprise. this film is not one of those films.

I just saw this film a few days ago and it had a very strong impact on me. I was extremely impressed by Zurlini's "Girl with a suitcase" and "violent Summer" (The excellent NoShame release - grab it if you do not already have it!)but this film is the work of a very mature director.Zurlini has the confidence to slow everything down. The camera-work is stunning (the location in Iran is breathtaking, magical). The acting is extraordinary - this film is a meeting place for some great actors. There is often little dialogue and so we feel accutely the presence that these actors have - Gassman, Perrin, Trintignant, Gemma, Von Syndow etc. For me so much of the film is about the feeling that is created not the specifics of the storyline. The actors have a wonderful sincerity - a lot of eye contact demonstrates the closeness that these people feel at a human level.The story - I have not read the novel therefore I do not claim to have any clear idea of the exact message but for me the film is about the feeling it creates. It made me reflect. Not so much on understanding the meaning but on the characters themselves and the various emotions we have as humans.I did however feel that the pace and feeling of the film changes after Perrin is sent back to the fort after his request for a transfer is declined. A lot of the peacefulness of the film goes and a more agitated atmosphere prevails.Nothing is made clear - mystery prevails. The final shot of the approaching horsemen is unforgettable. Morricone's score is top-rate.Altogether an extraordinary work - images, characters and acting that that left a strong impression on me. I am very curious to see more Zurlini.I have the Italian DVD of this film. I am very tempted to buy the NoShame DVD for the quality of their releases and the extras.

In spite of its high-minded ambitions, Zurlini's film must be seen as a failure. It's one thing to create a world which draws the viewer into feeling the tedium and angst experienced by the protagonist (which I think is what Zurlini was attempting). It's another thing entirely to make a film that is itself tedious and meaninglessly episodic. Despite beautiful cinematography at a haunting location - and a wonderful score - the film never lures the audience in. Too much is unintentionally funny (the phony sound of dripping water in Drago's quarters, for example, or the silent-movie mugging by some of the actors) or simply confusing (Why exactly does Drago want to leave the fort the first time?) for the film to succeed as a coherent work.

The closest comparison for this film is "2001: A Space Odyssey". whether you were awed or bored by Kubrick's masterpiece, you will probably react the same to this one. Yes, it is slow-moving, and little happens, but I was on the edge of my seat throughout. A breathtaking masterpiece.

A film that marked me forever, If you've never seen this movie, then you have to see it, it deserves a 10/10 (A )note. I'm looking forward to see this film once again in my life and it will be the spleen. In my life there were 2 film that marked me this one and The Woman Of The Dunes.