Film:
Ordet
Format: Streaming video from Hulu+ on laptop.
I wanted to say that I tend to have a mixed reaction to the films of Carl Theodor Dreyer. I was genuinely moved by
The Passion of Joan of Arc and genuinely bored by
Vampyr, although it did have a distinctive look. And then I remembered that Dreyer was also responsible for
Gertrud, a film that I believe concerns itself with the romantic life of mannequins. I went into
Ordet with some hopes, but I tried my best to keep them moderate. Dreyer’s work has moved me to question why I watch these films, but it’s also given me one of the truly remarkable film experiences I’ve had doing this.
Ordet is a film that seems to touch more on the Passion side of things, but certainly has some connection to Vampyr as well. It is very much a film about religious faith and the lack of faith. It is also about the problems caused by differences of faith, familial duty, miracles, and insanity. Sounds pretty good, right?
