All the Vemeers in New York (1990) - Jon Jost

The one thing that seems
very constant in all of Jon Jost's films is that they don't concern themselves
with plot, at least in the narrative sense, but are rather all about feeling and
setting, as well as how these things interact with one and other.  This film is
different than his others I have seen in that it takes place in the urban setting of New York City.  Jost focuses on the hustle and bustle of the city and how this chaotic state can create a lack of human connection between individuals which in turn breeds loneliness.  A scene which captures this perfectly takes place on the Empire State Building where the stockbroker talks about how insignificant he  feels, while Jost's camera focuses on a shot of the cities skyline from above, music grows louder and louder becoming overwhelming which seems to convey this fast-paced lifestyle which loneliness can inhabit.  While this film is full some beautiful and enigmatic scenes, I thought there were a few moments where his wandering camera felt unnecessary and distracting.  One particular scene involves the stock broker and french actress talking on a couch where the camera oscillates slowly, panning back and forth between the two of them.  That being said, I was emotionally attached to both these characters for different reasons and Jost has created another fascinating feature; though, this film has the least interesting/ powerful ending of the films I have seen.
8.25/10

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