Watching film.
The idea behind watching foreign films is tri-fold. Firstly, reading subtitles while listening to a foreign language, is a fascinating way for me to absorb a movie. In creating a particular relationship between understanding and not understanding words, I am looking at the emotive context and searching for the universal human connection. Secondly, I am interested in seeing cultures that relate and behave possibly different from my own up-bringing. Thirdly, I am interested in examining what messages are expressed from artists living outside my culture.
I have been watching an Italian film in sections for the last couple of days. It is called Mid-August Lunch, directed by Gianni de Gregorio. The film begins with Gianni reading a novel to his mama who lives with him and is under his care. The cast of characters expand as Gianni continues to be coerced and convinced to take care of additional mamas, as the Italian holiday approaches.
What charmed me in this film, because it was not particularly- openly enthralling, were the subtle nuances in attitude, behavior and world-views coming from the Italians. I watched with pleasure while Gianni guzzled white wine and made meals with love; The mamas: the way they handle and carry themselves- gave me a glimpse into past; into the days between 1920's and 1950's.
I watched this film alone and my intention was exactly that. Now that school has started and other responsibilities are piling up, I found a doorway into a form of solitude while also connecting to a larger sense of community.
I sit with myself, watching and reading a film, and allow my primordial brain to float between the now and then.
Fun and cool.
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