posted
The Times has reviewed a "cinema verite" flick that may be of interest to some around here. Some may even see fit to use such to "make a case" for retention of "that vestige of another age" on which, along about 1976, were to have had that one word Spanish language drumhead hanging on the rear:
Adios (the site will not accept the link I sent you privately)
In another life, maybe I will be a Producer for "Jeopardy".
Posts: 9975 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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posted
I went to see "In Transit" in New York a few nights ago, and it does an excellent job of conveying the atmosphere of a long distance train journey -- in this case the Empire Builder.
There's no narrator. For the most part, it spotlights random passengers -- mostly in coach and other all-access areas -- telling their stories either to the camera or to one another.
Some are on board in an attempt to leave someone or something behind. Others are headed toward what they hope will better future. Many are clearly traveling as a way to clear their head and heart.
The cinematography is often beautiful (and impressive, speaking as someone who has had hit-or-miss experiences trying to take photos while aboard moving trains). The interior footage was shot during two separate trips -- eastbound and westbound. An additional crew followed the trains to capture exterior shots.
The downside: the frequent visual cross-cutting between the eastbound and westbound trains is a bit disorienting -- you'll be in Montana one moment, in Spokane the next, in Minneapolis after that, and then back in Montana.
Several passengers are given far too much on-camera time (frankly, I've heard more interesting stories during my own trips). Then too, the only thing more boring than a drunk is an entire lounge car filled with them. The multiple sequences featuring inebriated oil field workers would have been better off left on the editing room floor.
But I was pleased that the film avoids depicting train travel as a luxury land cruise for well-heeled geezers. The Empire Builder comes across as a train for everyone -- and a lifeline for those too old to drive, too poor to fly, or simply too far from an airport.
quote:Originally posted by dilly: Then too, the only thing more boring than a drunk is an entire lounge car filled with them. The multiple sequences featuring inebriated oil field workers would have been better off left on the editing room floor.
Unfortunately Mr. Dilly, Lounge Cars are all too often just that. Although my LD riding has been limited to Auto Train of late, in which the Sleeper Lounge is as good as dead (they kept it when they were supposed to have killed it during '14), earlier rides to me were the less I saw of Lounges, the happier I be.
Your report has certainly comfirmed the "cinema verite" nature and scope of the film. If it makes it to Comcast On-Demand, then I guess I'll watch it.
Posts: 9975 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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