2008 (UK)
Director: Terence Davies
Viewed: November 15, 2008
Format: Theatrical Print (Landmark Tivoli Theater)
The rudimentary architecture that one expects of documentary films—facts, tilted this way or that, conveyed by means of a simple narrative—is nowhere to be found in Terence Davies’ Of Time and the City. Serving as both ode and elegy to the Liverpool of his youth, the film lazes through archival footage of the industrial city, most in black-in-white, some in color. Davies himself narrates—his exquisitely British voice all scratchy wool and rich cream—offering remembrances of his own life that illuminate the generalities of a bittersweet urban existence. Proceeding much like the wandering thoughts of a reflective old man (which I suppose it is), Of Time and the City takes its sweet time getting nowhere. It’s the sort of film-making that throws you for a loop, if only because its approach is so unusual. (The only stylistic fellow traveler that springs to mind is Koyaanisqatsi, but only because that film is so de-personalized in comparison.) However, owing to the potency of Davies’ warm, tear-wetted poetics, the film’s meditative qualities are never off-putting. In short, Of Time and City, is a strange, beautiful little film, a memory thrown up on screen with all its indulgences and ambivalence intact.
That really terrific Andrew that you are seeing all this stuff. I have not seen the Davies, but I am a huge fan of his work and I adore DISTANT VOICES STILL LIVES, it’s beautiful follow-up and the trilogy.
I honestly didn’t see the narrative issue you site in SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE, which I saw on Wednesday night and have already posted the review at WitD. It was the first 2008 film I have awarded five stars to of the roughly 150 I’ve seen, so you can see I liked it! LOL!
I am today preparing my review of DEAR ZACHARY, (which will post tomorrow) and I am following up witha second five-star rating. I appreciate the points you make. It is surely one of the most overpowering and deftly-crafted documentaries I have ever seen.
Best Wishes for the rest of the St. Louis Film Festival. I will be checking in.
Thanks for stopping by, Sam!
My wife absolutely adored Slumdog, so you’ve got good company there. :)
I need to think about the film a little more, but the problems I had with the narrative and the romance continue to nag at me, which is never a good sign.
On the other hand, the more I think about Of Time and City, the more I’m impressed by its languid beauty. Definitely recommended.