Review of the documentary Land Without Bread
The documentary Land Without Bread produced in 1932 was directed
by Luis Buñuel and delves
in the literary surrealism, readily highlighting social order that exist in the
mundane life. This documentary is a travesty one rising above the convections
of other documentaries and furthermore, was the precursor other non-fiction films
of the same kind. The documentary Land
Without Bread is a magnum opus in that it traverses boundaries; perversely
and brilliantly combining details objectively, and for the illogical
continuity. Rich in its moral satire of life, this documentary plays a didactic
role in shedding light in ordinary lives of people that are normally hidden
from the public life. Therefore, this documentary not only amuses but also
inform by packaging the absurd and the logical aspects of life in one accord (Ruoff,
1998).
As
the story unfolds, it is noticeable in the manner in which it defines human lives
from all walks of life. The order and the disorder usually define the valley of
life unclipping and informing on the moral lessons in human civilization. Land Without Bread surveys the quotidian
lives of the Hurdanos punctuated by escapades until death steals them from the
face of the earth (Ruoff, 1998).
The musical accompaniment of the documentary is emotionally effective. Via the
eyes of the director of this documentary, the audience is brought to the bare
facts of the life truths and makes them learn valuable lessons. Although the
narrator fails to clearly to background the events in the local culture, the
characterization and setting in the mountainous region vaguely give the real
impression we can have in an area. Moreover, the ever prying mind of man in the
scientific field is not left behind as it is explored by this documentary,
which enhances its worth in contemporary society. It foresees the scientific
importance in fighting the life oddities.
Ruoff
(1998) argues that
the cinematic elements tell the story of the region in new lights by analyzing
the situation more candidly. The cinematic aesthetics are appeal and tell of
this isolated valley figuratively portraying the plight of the Hurdanos. Modern
documentaries have borrowed from these aesthetics in great deal. Even the
minute details are brought to the fore which has endeared documentaries to
showcasing cases that help in changing lives of mankind. The issue of religion
is not left behind which shows the ingenious mind of Buñuel in his master-piece, Land Without Bread. It is no doubt from the documentary that life
is hell in the way transgression; violence and death are juxtaposed in the life
of Hurdanos. The cathartic effect is not after all negated which makes the
audience to bond with the ideas and perceptions Buñuel wanted to be realized in Land Without Bread.
Comments
Post a Comment