Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Movie Review: The Band's Visit


Last night, I watched the 2007 Israeli movie The Band's Visit. It focuses on an Egyptian police band being stranded for the night in a desolate Israeli village. The band and their new hosts face a partial language barrier (all the characters speak some English), but are able to bridge some gaps with music.

I am still undecided on how I feel about this movie. To be sure, it has some sweet moments, and some funny ones. However, about halfway through, I decided that it is framed, lit, and colored within an inch of its life. I think that this took away from the opportunity to augment the precious little that we learn about the characters.

But, perhaps these issues reflect a great treatment of what that situation would really be like: you are in a strange place, cannot leave 'til morning, and forced to rely on the kindness of strangers. You share little with your new hosts, but notice plenty about your surroundings.

Considering all this, and that the film runs a scant 87 minutes, I would say of The Band's Visit: I wish they'd stayed longer.

2 comments:

  1. Hmmm! I think I'll pass. I don't think it would pass my test of acceptable topics. Too serious. Give me soemthing to laugh about.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I do I do like that hat! up the tree up the tree to the party the big dog party! I'm not sure about the boufante on you. It hides your beautiful face.

    ReplyDelete