‘Silent Light’s’ Slowness Will Put Off Most Audiences

What I realized after watching “Silent Light” is that audiences need to understand that an appreciation for film needs to go beyond just plot, characters or even entertainment value. “Silent Light” might test the patience of its viewers, but it’s a wonderfully shot film that depicts the unique life of menonites — sort of similar to the Amish — who have settled in Mexico.

Clocking in at more than two hours, the film is about Johan, a menonite man with a wife, Esther, and two children. Johan is sleeping with another woman named Esther, and the film is about his struggle between his religious convictions and his temptation and weakness for Marianne, who he can’t stop seeing. Emotions are extremely repressed in this family. Everything is out in the open about Johan’s infidelities, and yet the husband and wife rarely talk about it or address it. My description of the plot doesn’t really do it much justice, so I’d recommend reading Variety magazine’s take on it.

The ending has a crazy twist, for those willing to sit patiently through two hours of nothing really happening. Johan — who can’t stop seeing Marianne — and Esther finally confront his infidelities head-on, and Esther ends up dying of a a heart attack brought about by immense stress. At the viewing of Esther’s funeral, Johan finally is repentant and wishes things could go back to the way they were. At this moment, Marianne shows up and wishes to see Esther’s body. When she does, she kisses Esther’s face, and suddenly Esther wakes up. (Highlight to read)

That is crazy ending, if I do say so myself, and it’s open to interpretation. Were they playing a trick on Johan? Is Esther really alive? Or is the scene in someone’s head or even outside of the film’s reality? It was totally unexpected, and it make the film much more interesting. I guess lately, sitting through these long films do have some payoff. Unfortunately, no one else would likely appreciate it, and because of that, I don’t recommend it for those without patience. I saw several people walk out of the film, and its length and slowness makes me understand why.

1.5 stars
***
Wayne’s star system
1 star –> avoid at all costs
2 stars –> watch on TV when nothing else is on
3 stars –> rent it eventually
4 stars –> must see before you die

“Silent Light” (IMDB)
“Silent Light” review (Variety)

~ by doscrash on May 26, 2007.