What Where
DVD synopsis: Four characters- three of which are played by Gary Lewis- appear at intervals, repeating the same questions and actions. Interrogation and torture are the main features of the action, leaving us with an image of a brutal and changeless world where each in his turn will be interrogator and interrogated.
This is the Kubrickian/Orwellian film.
Sheer brilliance by director Damien O'Donnell (I'm assuming he's Irish). This was Beckett's last piece written for the theatre (in French originally) performed in English in June, 1983 in New York City. This awesomely compelling short is a great tribute to Beckett and one of my faves from the set. Published in 1984, Beckett said of his last work:
I don't know what it means. Don't ask me what it means. It's an object.
The text is repeated over and over by the characters, of which 3 are indeed played by one man. One of the other two is dressed like Vallorum (Terence Stamp- Star Wars: Episode I) and acts like Big Brother.
Some of the dialogue:
We are the last 5. In the present. It is spring. Time passes. Not good. I switch off. I start again. First without words. I switch on. Good. I am alone. He didn't say anything. no. You gave him the works? Yes. And he didn't say anything. no. He wept? Yes. Screamed? yes. Begged for mercy? Yes. But didn't say it. no. It's a lie. He said it to ya. Confess he said it to ya.
Wild writer, that Beckett, huh?
One of the best in the set.
Last edited by Johann; 06-07-2007 at 07:48 AM.
"Set the controls for the heart of the Sun" - Pink Floyd
Bookmarks