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Hypnotic and bizarre
Review date: 2006-10-17 Rating: 10 out of 10
This DVD brings together two films. For avoidance of doubt, they are arty, hypnotic and have no plot or action. Unless you like these kind of films, please don't disappoint yourself with these.
On the other hand, if you like moving photos from still cameras with esoteric deadpan narration that may or may not be related to the picture, this could be right up your alley.
London follows the narrator as he explores London during the 1992 general election. The film is not about the election, but does comment on it, along with commentary on Rimbaud, economics, poor teaching salaries and the state of decay in Britain. The imagery is stunning, and I especially love the shot of aeroplanes landing apparently in open fields.
Robinson in Space features the travels of the narrator and his friend (and former lover) Robinson around the country to assess the problem with Britain. Each journey seems to end at a port, and features long shots of roundabouts, cheap travel hotels, supermarkets, etc with surreal narration. A highlight was the visit to the manufacturer of restraints in the Black Country (long external shot of the factory gates), in which Robinson bought a pair of handcuffs. Again, neither Robinson nor narrator is seen.
Both films are hypnotic - after a while you realise you are not taking in any of what is being said, it is delivered with so little impact (without ever being monotone). You can stop at any point and pick up days or weeks later. But something keeps you going - just one more shot...
These are like Andy Warhol films - meant for viewing rather than watching. I adore them.