Au hasard Balthazar (1966)
Some asses are better than people.
Presentation:
Robert Bresson is known for his minimalist style and the cinematography here has the same directness as A Man Escaped. But this is not a particularly visual film that required close-ups of gestures and subtle action, it’s one that focuses on the intricacies of plot details and emotion. It’s a depressing film, which will likely make you give up on people, whom are all so awful in this film making the donkey even more likable. The way it gets abused is obviously sad, but the acting isn’t convincingly brutal being filmed in the 60s. The emotional sentiment still stands, but rest assured you shouldn’t feel as disturbed as it’s clear they are holding back or whiffing air. As always, Bresson films are well shot and deliberately composed, but the presentation is neutral to convey a sense of harsh indifference, which should feel slow to many.
Conclusion:
A fine cinephile film, but not particularly exciting if you’re going back in time. This is quite special in how it revolves around a donkey, but I don’t see how this is better than other tragic classics. If you enjoy seeing the worst in people, this ass will look like a angel in comparison.
Recommendations
Some asses are better than people.