ALEXANDER SOKUROV
Bil’s rating (out of 5): BBB.
Original title: Otets I Syn
Russia/Germany/Italy/Netherlands, 2003. Nikola Film, Isabella Films B.V., Lumen Films, Mikado Film, Zero Film GmbH. Screenplay by Sergei Potepalov. Cinematography by Aleksandr Burov. Produced by Thomas Kufus. Music by Andrey Sigle. Production Design by Natalya Kochergina. Film Editing by Ruy Diaz. Cannes Film Festival 2003.
Moody, atmospheric melodrama by Aleksandr Sokurov, about the titular relationship and its exclusion of all around them. Father and Son (they are not really named) live in their photogenic rooftop apartment, constantly bathed in golden light, where they keep a hermetically sealed world unto themselves that is not pierced by even by the young man’s girlfriend. The men seem at times fraternal, sometimes even like lovers as they process their lives and conflicts, the father’s involving his need to improve his career path and the son with his days in the military. It’s an emotionally felt piece without much narrative thrust, but the excellent acting and beautiful photography make it the kind of art house experience that certain audiences will be well in the mood for.
