OhmSpectator Reviews

Direct Action (2024)

Missed mark: the flawed portrayal of eco-activism

[4/10 · 25 February 2024]

If the goal of the documentary was to portray French eco-activists as backward marginals, using outdated technologies and attacking the police without any argumentation, armed with rubber boats meant for swimming pools, and further to fuel viewers' hatred with endlessly long shots where nothing happens, then it was somewhat successful. However, I doubt that was the intended purpose.

Seriously, in 3.5 hours, it would have been possible to tell the whole story with all points of view and explanations, which obviously exist. Instead, the viewer is forced to watch for 3.5 hours either actions that by today's standards seem simply silly and ineffective, or just nothing at all. The average shot feels like it lasts for 10 minutes, 10 minutes during which nothing is explained. Then another 10 minutes where nothing is explained... And so on until the victorious end. It's up to the viewer to provide explanations for what's happening.

No, this is a bad approach for a documentary film.

Architecton (2024)

Stunning Yet Tediously Slow: The Languid Tale of The Stone

[5/10 · 20 February 2024]

The movie about The Stone is replete with technically excellent and visually stunning shots, yet it unfolds in a way that feels monotonous and repetitive. Admittedly, the opportunity to admire views that are usually not appreciated by the naked eye is unique and can be mesmerizing. However, the film's slow pace makes this potentially enriching experience rather tiresome.

The main message of the author is only revealed in the epilogue, and it's not as if the preceding visuals significantly contribute to illustrating this point. The question that the author asks is intriguing but arrives too late. By the time it is presented, viewers might find themselves unable to fully contemplate and digest this thought.

Dahomey (2024)

Echoes of Heritage: A Poetic Journey of Artifacts from France to Benin

[8/10 · 18 February 2024]

The documentary, elevated by poetic undertones, narrates the journey of historical artifacts returning from France to Benin. It highlights the debates among the Beninese about the significance of this event, showcasing a broad spectrum of perspectives. Particularly captivating is the technique of narrating from the artifact's point of view, adding depth and complexity to the audience's understanding. From a technical standpoint, the project is exceptionally well-crafted, impressing with its image quality, thoughtful pacing, and mesmerizing sound.

As a viewer from Europe, I felt a slight lack of explanation about what modern Benin is like beyond its capital, which would have helped form an opinion on the discussions presented by the Beninese in the film. However, it's clear that the filmmaker did not set out to provide a comprehensive overview of the country's current state.

Turn in the Wound (2024)

Good example of Irresponsible documentary

[3/10 · 17 February 2024]

This documentary is profoundly disappointing, exploiting the theme of the war in Ukraine. It presents a disjointed narrative where a significant portion, notably the Patti Smith segment, lacks any meaningful substance. The stories of the characters are not woven into a cohesive narrative. The film fails to answer direct questions posed by the filmmaker himself (which are not rhetorical!). The production seems careless, showing a lack of respect for both the subjects and the audience. The editing and cinematography make watching the film a physically uncomfortable experience.

When tackling a sensitive and painful topic like an ongoing war, the filmmaker has no right to adopt a careless attitude under the guise of artistic vision.

Servants (2020)

Nice picture, unfinished story.

[6/10 · 2 March 2020]

A very nice B/W picture. The story describes an interesting aspect of Slovak history (catholic church under communists). However, the story feels unfinished.