This is supposed to be a travelogue by a British "cultural critic" to Lithuania, slowly emerging from the ravages of a half century of communism, but it rapidly becomes apparent that Mr Ellis is no intellectual, and his questions and rants would be laughable if they weren't so tragic. The producers of this travesty manage to find some intelligent individuals for this fool to interview, and most give cogent answers in spite of his silly questions.
I can't imagine what was going through the minds of his interviewees as he pontificated about the "revolution of the pelvis" or "dangerous musical ideas" while gesticulating wildly. His ideas, such as they are seem to apply more to the advent of rock and roll in 1950's America than to social change in Lithuania.
The worst though is when he announces (on a love lock bridge) that he hates traditions in general, but likes new ones. This in a country still struggling to reconnect with its own traditions after the communists tried to destroy every vestige of national self-identity. Talk about adding insult to injury.
Anyway, I personally would love to see an intelligent and insightful documentary on Lithuania and what it's reemergence from the iron curtain has meant to itself and to Europe. I guess I'll have to wait a while longer.
I can't imagine what was going through the minds of his interviewees as he pontificated about the "revolution of the pelvis" or "dangerous musical ideas" while gesticulating wildly. His ideas, such as they are seem to apply more to the advent of rock and roll in 1950's America than to social change in Lithuania.
The worst though is when he announces (on a love lock bridge) that he hates traditions in general, but likes new ones. This in a country still struggling to reconnect with its own traditions after the communists tried to destroy every vestige of national self-identity. Talk about adding insult to injury.
Anyway, I personally would love to see an intelligent and insightful documentary on Lithuania and what it's reemergence from the iron curtain has meant to itself and to Europe. I guess I'll have to wait a while longer.
