Roy Andersson's A Pigeon Sat On A Branch Reflecting On Existence is the final film in the director's self described "being a human being" trilogy, a dreamlike exploration of the various traits, good and bad, which make up humanity. Reminiscent of the great filmmaker Jacques Tati, Roy Andersson's A Pigeon Sat On A Branch Reflecting on Existence is a meticulously staged black comedy that finds humor in the human condition. The static compositions, long takes, and great use of depth work together to create an entirely unique cinematic experience, one which gives the film a dreamlike feel, almost as if the viewer is a god, looking down on the behavior of those in which he created. Roy Andersson's film is more a series of vignettes about life than a cohesive narrative, with Sam and Jonathan, a pair of hapless novelty salesman, providing the narrative through-line of this remarkable film. This is a filmmaker that doesn't shy away from humanity, showing an uncanny ability to find the humor and absurdity of life and death. These vignettes provide a kaleidoscope of human emotions, but what really resonated with me is the film's ability to tackle both intimate and grandiose aspects of the human condition, showing the quiet longing and inherent selfishness that exists in humanity while simultaneously commenting on some of the more horrific aspects of human history- doing so in an absurdest fashion. While much of this film's deadpan humor is constantly fun and pensive, A Pigeon Sat On A Branch Reflection on Existence has moments of gravity, particularly in a sequence that finds Andersson commenting on European imperialism, a deeply haunting and transfixing experience. While Roy Andersson's A Pigeon Sat On A Branch Reflecting On Existence is a film that is sure to confound some viewers, the meticulous staging and cinematography make it a film that is hard to turn away from, as Andersson comments on the pettiness, selfishness, grandeur, humor and tragedy that makes up life as we know it.
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AuthorLove of all things cinema brought me here. Archives
June 2023
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