lewreid

'through a glass darkly' explores the origin of fear - as a disease that, if not treated properly, can spiral out of control and permanently disrupt our mental stability. it also shows us the potential - within the mess of competing self-interests - of human companionship and in the synchronicity that exists within the reciprocation of comfort or protection from the unknown.

the hypnotic allure of a bergman film is like a unique, calming drug. it settles you into a state of comfort only the experience of perfection can provide. and within this state, paradoxically, is offered a roller-coaster of emotions - across the board - a reflection on a plethora of universal states and feelings, all within a cohesive, comfortable, perfect whole. perhaps on some level his films conjure feelings one would rather avoid - perhaps an explanation to why investing in a bergman experience takes some will-power, but once there, the catharsis of the nightmares is just as, if not more, rewarding than the elation from the celebrations. and nearly all of his films - like life itself - offer a poetic combination of both (depending, of course on how 'darkly' one sees things - something the poeticism and insight of a bergman film can certainly affect).

I don't know. I think I'm confident enough to filter what I feel is true and vice versa. I enjoyed the film. It certainly piqued my interest in quantum mechanics. And, more importantly, it helped me overcome a severe bout with anxiety and his friend paxil. I don't know if the film taught me, but it certainly reminded my of power of perception. With anxiety, how you interpret your perception is all that matters. I had to step outside of myself in a sense and evaluate and accept the evolution of my perception as a human being (primarily based on several severe recent changes in my life). There are innumerable variables effecting how I react to my environment and instead of allowing my body/chemistry to react on its own, I had to learn how to observe the stimulus and understand it. It took me a few weeks to ween myself off the medication but it was the film that planted the seed of encouragement to work towards a more objective and relaxed reality. And although the matter around me hasn't changed, the emotions/chemical reactions I experience are different and therefore my reality is different. What really interested me in the film though is the comparison of matter to thought; how on a molecular level they are virtually identical. I certainly intend on investigating this one. I mean, on some level is everything potentially a form of thought - regardless of its molecular make-up? What if the universe was a massive thought - but not in the tangible form we're familiar with but in a form we have yet to recognize. Reminds me of Johnny in Mike Leigh's "Naked." Something along the lines of humans "evolving into a race of pure thought. Are you with me?!"

I think "scott_lewis" (other viewer) should take another look at the ending. Not sure what they are referring to... and it wasn't as though the ending was ambiguous. The majority of the characters run off screen, chasing Earl down the hill in what is a terrific finale. All the characters except for Jimmy, Barb and Jennifer... when something horrific happens - but not in the way that the above writer thinks. I won't ruin it because it is a bit of a surprise... although in retrospect, inevitable. It's a hard ending, but necessary. And it really does tie everything together... particularly thematically. One of the main characters runs from the sins of his past (something I think most people can relate to, at least to a certain extent), however, this character experiences the consequences of his actions to an extreme... but this is storytelling... conveying poignant messages but in an exaggerated, dramatic, and, ultimately, entertaining way. By the way, I am a friend of someone who was involved in this film... but truly believe the above to be true.

A perfect movie to watch if you're in the mood to just chill out and watch the sunset but it's already dark. It offers the meditative sensation of Baraka combined with a nearly pitch perfect portrayal of a small town slice of life topped off with an inherently interesting 'young love' story. My only thoughts for the filmmaker (and in my opinion a significant oversight) would be to figure out how to wrap up the story without affecting the tone... the last quarter felt tedious as you began to expect the traditional dramatic/thematic resolution and therefore anticipate the number of scenes to come; which work best when you're not intellectually involved but emotionally - or even better - intuitively involved.... once the brain clicks in, the experience becomes of one of anticipation and with a film like this, impatience.