HUMAN FLOWERS OF FLESH (Helena Wittmann 2022)

[Chris Knipp]

You may be right about the title of HUMAN FLOWERS OF FLESH, whose underlying point remains unclear. The seagoing setting and mood and the references to Claire Denis in this film are intriguing, however. There are longeurs , but some beautiful and unexpected images toward the end made me begin to understand what Wittmann was striving for.

'Director Helena Wittmann also joins Metrograph this weekend to present her astonishing new film Human Flowers of Flesh, her first feature Drift, and Conjurations, a special presentation of short films and a lecture performance' - Press release from Metrograph today.

. Whatever the longeurs of this new film she is a filmmaker worthy of notice, sorry I can't catch up on her other work, especially DRIFT, which has been much admired. Won't be there myself because - you can stop being jealous, unless you want to be jealous of my being in California - because I'm back from New York now. It was great attending the screenings at Metrograph. I love that unique place with its artisanal fittings. And what an amazing output of programming they have going on now. I look forward to covering future offerings and attending future screenings.