Valhalla Rising - Full movie audio commentary with Alan Jones & Nicolas Winding Refn

Описание: Valhalla Rising: A masterclass in cinematic stillness

Valhalla Rising - Full movie audio commentary with Alan Jones & Nicolas Winding Refn

Film critic Alan Jones collaborated with director Nicolas Winding Refn, notably on the stunning art book Nicolas Winding Refn: The Act of Seeing, featuring Refn's collection of vintage movie posters, and Jones also provided an audio commentary for Refn's brutal Viking film Valhalla Rising, where they discussed the film's creation and themes alongside the film's intense, atmospheric journey.

Valhalla Rising (2009) is a visually stunning but divisive art-house Viking epic known for its extreme minimalism, brutal violence, and slow pace, starring Mads Mikkelsen as the silent warrior "One-Eye"; reviews praise its hypnotic atmosphere and cinematography but find its lack of dialogue and plot challenging, calling it either a masterpiece of mood or pretentiously slow, but ultimately a powerful, unforgettable, and unique cinematic experience.

What Critics Liked (The "Art" & "Atmosphere"):
Visuals: Stunning, moody, and atmospheric cinematography with long, slow shots and a distinctive gray color palette.

Mikkelsen's Performance: A magnetic, purely physical, and riveting performance from Mads Mikkelsen as the voiceless protagonist.
Sound & Music: A simple, dark, and disturbing score enhances the uneasy, brutal world.
Uniqueness: A bold, uncompromising vision that avoids Hollywood tropes, focusing on experience over plot.

Common Criticisms (The "Slow" & "Difficult"):
Pacing: Incredibly slow, with long stretches of walking, staring, and minimal dialogue, making it a "slumber film" for some.
Lack of Plot/Character: Characters are poorly defined, and the plot is minimal, relying heavily on symbolism and mood.
Pretentiousness: Some found it overly self-important or boring due to its extreme art-house style.

Themes & Interpretation:
Religion vs. Nature: Explores faith, brutality, and imperialism, with some interpreting One-Eye as a pagan force or even Odin.
Love & Compassion: Others see the relationship with the boy as a path to spiritual growth beyond violence.
A Journey: The journey to "America" (seen as Hell/Valhalla) is a spiritual and mythical exploration.

Overall Reception:
Polarizing: A film that deeply resonates with some for its artistry and alienates others with its deliberate pacing and sparse storytelling.
Memorable: Even those who disliked it often found it left a lasting impression and stayed with them long after viewing.

Verdict:
Valhalla Rising is highly recommended for viewers seeking a challenging, hypnotic, and visually unique cinematic experience, but those wanting a traditional, dialogue-driven Viking action film should approach with caution.

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