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Rating:  -
This movie is a bit like watching a dream. It is filmed intentionally, methodically and perhaps a bit pretentiously. That may sound a bit odd but it is obvious that the directors seek to present a certain look. Everything is in a muted shade of earth tones and the shots are meticulous. If you've ever been to Montana in winter you will understand. The brightest colors are the shades of gold in the fields in winter slumber. It's one of the most beautifully shot films I've seen in a long time.
As for the movie itself, it is a bit odd but not goofy. The premise is the relocation of the townsfolk of Northfork, Montana in the early to mid 50s with the ushering in of a new dam to provide power. Most of the town has left except for the few eccentric characters who remain. The state has sent in the evacuation squad to assist the remaining residents with their exodus. This proves to be not so easy. The characters - those who remain and those on the evacuation committee - are quirky enough that a movie unfolds.
Everything is one notch higher than monotone with a gorgeous score that buoys it all along gently. There are moments of comic genius that seem so due to the somber tone of the rest of the film but it never takes itself too seriously. It touches on religous themes and the whole movie kind of has a metaphysical bent to it due to the biblical nature of the coming flood.
I'm not certain I followed it completely as there are moments where it is difficult to tell what is happening and what is a dream sequence or if in fact it is either one. Grounded in real events, there is a bit of the transcendent that emerges.
It is slow to unfold. It's a good film to watch on a lazy Saturday afternoon in winter with a nice fire and a cup of tea. The cinematography is beautiful and the brand name cast (Nick Nolte, James Woods, Daryl Hannah and a few others) have rendered this a nice break from most films out there.
Rating:  -
Northfork is one of those movies where you can examine the vast metaphor's and symbolism in detail and/or- you can just let the film pour over you- it unravels into vastness.
It's slow without ever going anywhere boring, and it's breathtakingly beautiful- the film has this lovely tint to it.
If your into new wave fabulism, you must see this movie, and also check out rachel miller's 'angela.'
highly recommended!
Rating: -
I give the filmmakers credit for originality and full execution of their beautiful, droll, and distinctly American vision. American cinema is not strong on surrealism, but this is a worthy foray into the genre. There is a Dali-esque beast that inhabits the landscape which is absolutely inspired. The use of imagery and symbolism is very sophisticated, and the camera work is deft. There were times when I found it all a bit excruciating, but my attention was always refocused by some witty vignette or gorgeous scrap of scenery. The child who plays the angel is a heartrending presence and brings the only pathos to an otherwise ironic and detached narrative. Northfork certainly won't be everyone's cup of tea, but for me it ultimately soared.
Rating:  -
This movie was a crap-sandwich.
If movies are meant to entertain, this one could be classified as torturous. Between struggling not to nod off and trying figure out what in the world the "angels" were doing, the ending could not come soon enough.
This is the only review I've written on a movie on Amazon, so I feel pretty strongly about it. Very poor... I would place it in the same category as "Knockaround Guys", "Ronin", and "The Yards". Just pointless, pseudo-intellectual rubbish.
Rating: -
It is very clear a lot of energy was expended on making this movie. What a shame it was to so little end. Having seen the very intriguing preview when I bought another Paramount Classics release, I hastened to buy this DVD. Talk about the preview making a silk purse out of a feature length sow's ear. The most disappointing thing about the film was how emotionally and intellectually facile it was. The Polish Brothers seem to be technically adept but intellectually stunted. Having watched the awesomely rivetting "In The Mood For Love" just the night before, I had a benchmark to measure this movie against. ITMFL proves that technical skill, measured pacing, unconventional narrative and emotional and intellectual depth can go together. The only one the Polish Brothers managed out of these was the technical skill. Beware the preview. It's promise is not met in the movie.
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