Jeanne Dielman, 23, quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles (1975)
Like many others I first heard about this when it was announced as the best in Sight & Sound. I am not adverse to slow cinema as I have been quite taken with Bela Tarr and there are many similarities in their approach of letting seemingly mundane routines speak for themselves. In itself, it is an admirable achievement Akerman manages to make these long monotonous takes with no dialogue be so mesmerizing and intriguing. A ton is said in subtle shift in body language, especially once we get to the third day (potato peeling scene for starters). In a way we have 3 hours of buildup to a payoff that you miss if you attention wanders just for a second, but it wouldn’t have worked without the 3 hours of buildup. An impressive piece of unique film making.
Rating: 4.5