Film can teach. Film can entertain.
I actually found the film a bit of a tough slog on an initial viewing, but I also found myself reflecting on it almost constantly in the following days. It´s amazing what a pliable tool film can be, and Sissako plumbs the medium simultaneously as entertainment and as a didactic device. I recently watched Peter Watkins´ audacious and utterly brilliant "La Commune," a film which I described to a friend as a six-hour lecture, and the most exciting lecture I´ve ever attended. I would describe "Bamako" in a similar way though you can breathe a sigh of relief – it clocks in at just under two hours.
Film can teach. Film can entertain. I suspect most of us know that, but it´s films like "Bamako" that provide a welcome reminder of how film can accomplish both at the same time. It´s a damned hard thing to do, and Sissako has pulled off at least a minor miracle here.
N.B. Danny Glover, an executive producer on the film, also appears briefly as an actor (himself) in a violent Western movie that some of the characters watch. It´s a very strange moment in "Bamako" which still has me scratching my head, but all I can is say I was fascinated enough to go back and watch that section several times.
Video
The film is presented in an anamorphic 1.78:1 aspect ratio. The interlaced transfer is pretty good by New Yorker´s standards. The colors are bright, and instances of combing are minor and don´t affect the image for most viewers (unless you´re watching on your computer.)
Audio
The DVD is presented in Dolby Digital 2.0 and Dolby Digital 5.1. Optional English subtitles support the audio which is in French and Bambara.
Extras
The DVD includes an excerpt from a New York Film Festival panel discussion with Harry Belafonte (5 min) and four interviews: Sissako (35 min), Danny Glover (8 min), Yao Graham, Coordinator of Third World Network Africa (16 min.), and Professor Gita Sen (10 min.) The insert booklet contains more educational material about the problems of structural adjustment and debt relief with links to many online sources. The DVD format, and its concomitant extras, can also be used to educate as well as to entertain.
Film Value
I´ve already put off reviewing this film for a few weeks because I knew I needed more time for consideration. I realize now I might as well write my review with the understanding that I´ll likely change my mind in another few weeks or few months. "Bamako" is a rich and challenging film and I suspect it will open up further on multiple viewings. It´s also a film full of small details that really stick with you. For some reason, I am mesmerized by the rotating fan that stands at one end of the courtyard (not) cooling off the witnesses.
In any case, I have no qualms about strongly recommending it.
Film can teach. Film can entertain. I suspect most of us know that, but it´s films like "Bamako" that provide a welcome reminder of how film can accomplish both at the same time. It´s a damned hard thing to do, and Sissako has pulled off at least a minor miracle here.
N.B. Danny Glover, an executive producer on the film, also appears briefly as an actor (himself) in a violent Western movie that some of the characters watch. It´s a very strange moment in "Bamako" which still has me scratching my head, but all I can is say I was fascinated enough to go back and watch that section several times.
Video
The film is presented in an anamorphic 1.78:1 aspect ratio. The interlaced transfer is pretty good by New Yorker´s standards. The colors are bright, and instances of combing are minor and don´t affect the image for most viewers (unless you´re watching on your computer.)
Audio
The DVD is presented in Dolby Digital 2.0 and Dolby Digital 5.1. Optional English subtitles support the audio which is in French and Bambara.
Extras
The DVD includes an excerpt from a New York Film Festival panel discussion with Harry Belafonte (5 min) and four interviews: Sissako (35 min), Danny Glover (8 min), Yao Graham, Coordinator of Third World Network Africa (16 min.), and Professor Gita Sen (10 min.) The insert booklet contains more educational material about the problems of structural adjustment and debt relief with links to many online sources. The DVD format, and its concomitant extras, can also be used to educate as well as to entertain.
Film Value
I´ve already put off reviewing this film for a few weeks because I knew I needed more time for consideration. I realize now I might as well write my review with the understanding that I´ll likely change my mind in another few weeks or few months. "Bamako" is a rich and challenging film and I suspect it will open up further on multiple viewings. It´s also a film full of small details that really stick with you. For some reason, I am mesmerized by the rotating fan that stands at one end of the courtyard (not) cooling off the witnesses.
In any case, I have no qualms about strongly recommending it.
Average user rating (1-5):
Not yet rated.
Not yet rated.
[release]23665[/release]