esrosedotblog

INNER LIFE

Today's film was Jan Troell's

Maria Larssons eviga ögonblick / Everlasting Moments (2008)

In this beautiful period story, the wife of an alcoholic wife-beater, Maria, finds inner peace and beauty through the discovery of photography.

With the help of a photographer who takes an interest, she discovers that her way of seeing the world is not the usual. It is deep and moving for her. She learns to capture images the way that she sees them.

Her situation with the husband does not change but she changes.

I know. This sounds very unlikely. But it is a "true" story and one which is, in the film experience, quite rich and fulfilling to watch unfold. It is also my own experience of watching some relationships that are like this one.

She is embarked on a spiritual journey.

The alcoholic stuff rings true. The husband Siegg is a great guy until he has a drunk on. Then look out.

There are kids and part of the story is about them. The narrator is one of the daughters.

The story is a long one spanning the time of two separate casts for the children.

Life is not easy but it is beautifully photographed. This is not a paradox.

We do not see a lot of her own photography but the film is said to use her "eye" in various scenes.

I liked this film very much as I have enjoyed Troell's work in the past. The Emigrants. The New Land, Hamsun.

I will give it a 4 out of Netflix5.

Labels: films