Cultural Dessert

'Caché' by Michael Haneke

5 May 2006

Last night we were at the Library Theatre in Leighton Buzzard to see the French film, Caché (Hidden) directed by Michael Haneke – an amazing film. Someone is covertly filming Daniel Auteuil and Juliette Binoche’s house from across the street and sending them copies of the video tapes. While we try to work out who and why we are constantly uncertain whether we are watching the film or the videos within the film. There are long fixed camera shots where you are unsure whether there is anything you should be noticing. The long periods of stillness and silence are almost unbearable (there is no musical soundtrack). This probably doesn’t sound very appealing but I found the film completely absorbing and gripping – right up to the point where the credits start to roll and you realise there is not going to be any resolution. Since we got home I’ve spent ages reading various reviews, blogs and discussion groups trying to work it all out. I can’t yet decide whether it was annoying and frustrating or a masterpiece but if art is meant to be challenging and thought-provoking then this is art!

Labels: Film

posted by Robin Simpson @ 1:00 pm