I used to like watching movies. I am afraid that this kind of watching can't even be called "appreciation", just as an ordinary audience. Just focus on the plot, whether it is new or old, whether commercial or literary, regardless of the scene, regardless of photography skills, whether it is an idol group or a powerful group. Just looking at a good story.
Looking at it, I gradually began to pay attention to the actors' acting skills, the director's scheduling, the use of light and the mood of the music. Of course, this is all just because the plot demands it.
It has always been believed that movies are just a mass media, and in just a few hours, it is impossible to have profound connotations, and it is impossible to show the vastness and complexity of life. It was not until a few days ago that I saw a film called "Quiet Passion" that changed my opinion a little.
The film is about the life of American poetess Emily Dickinson.
In a small town in the eastern United States where Dickinson (1830-1886) lived all her life, her life was calm and monotonous, like a quiet lake, without great waves, without ups and downs, but with occasional small ripples. But her heart was burning like fire. "Poetry is everything in my life," she said.
It's hard to imagine any director who could take advantage of such a lack of drama.
British director Terence Davis took up the challenge. This is such a beautiful movie for us. The narrative of the film is unhurried and eloquent. Little by little revealed the poet's inner world. Dickinson's beautiful verse runs throughout the film.
There is a scene where the poet's father and younger brother are having a conversation.
Brother: There's going to be a civil war.
Father: Does this mean you are going to be drafted?
Brother: It should be.
Father: You have to stay here.
Brother: My friends are going to fight, I can't stay home alone.
Father: I'll pay $500 for someone to replace you.
Brother: So what about my honor?
Father: Your honor will be safe in my hands.
Brother: What about my moral heart?
Father: If your moral heart can be comforted by your filial piety, it would be great.
Brother: For those who are about to die in war, filial piety is just cowardice.
Father: Young people without children would say that.
Brother: No gentleman would say that.
Father: Austin, you are my only son and I cannot allow you to risk your life.
Brother: Please, don't force me to stay.
Father: You can't go, I won't allow it!
After listening to this conversation, Dickinson wrote in the poem:
"It is brave to cry out to fight,
But I know
It is more heroic to fight the cavalry who are troubled in their hearts.
If you win, no Chinese will see it;
If you fail, no one notices.
those dying eyes,
No one will stare with patriotic zeal. "
This is how Dickinson constantly examines and tortures his own mind. This scrutiny has accompanied her throughout her life.
Dickinson lived in a well-off family. According to the usual concept, being rich is an inevitable choice in a class like them. But in fact, many of them are not. They don't have the greed to fight for power, love money like life, or even have the ambition to help the world. Material wealth makes it possible for such a group of people to explore the spiritual world. They are in a quiet environment to sublimate their souls.
With the consent of his family, Dickinson entered his own poetry world every night, reading and writing poems. The room was dim, and only the flickering light of the kerosene lamp illuminated her face and the small space in front of the desk. It seems that she is the lamp, weak but stubbornly burning, not for anyone, but only for her own tranquility.
Back to the reality outside the film. How many people are fighting for fame and fortune, fighting naked in this materialistic society. Only to discover after being complacent or exhausted, they have lost their true nature. Such a sacrifice is too great! Whenever this happens, we can't help but miss that kerosene lamp in the small town of Amherst.
The whole film is uneventful and unremarkable. But after watching it, I want to watch it a second time.
My rating: 7.5
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