06/05/06 Strings

Strings (2004), directed by Anders Ronnow Klarlund

watched w/ Leslie; DVD rental (Netflix) @ home

One of the more bizarrely profound approaches to capture human-like qualities and emotions in art is through puppetry. Here is a cinematic example of how the use of marionettes can attempt to mimic humans (no, I'm not talking to you Pinocchio). I'm no expert, but it seems that puppeteering is an artform that takes many years to master. Master puppeteers hope to convey realistic movements and body language with their marionettes, and somehow gain fame by their skills (we all have seen John Cusack's character in "Being John Malkovich"). With the help of digital effects layered on top of those already impressive (yet, always a bit creepy) talents, this film is a wondrous allegory of visually fantastic feats. Juxtaposing a traditional Greek mythology/Shakespearean tragedy amidst a modern-day warring application, the fable follows the tragic characters in a crumbling kingdom. The tormented king has just committed suicide, as his power-hungry brother Nezo tries to seize the throne by blaming the death on the enemy, and hoping to create a war. The rightful heir to the throne, son Hal, must set out on a quest for revenge for his father's death as he protects his sister Zita and their kingdom. Once he finds out the truth about Nezo's evil plan, he must stand up to the challenge to defend his family's honor and bring peace to the land once again. It's your classic tale of tragic heroism, but with puppets. It's incredible that the story can be conveyed so easily by these facially expressionless figures through so much of the other bodily movements. It is pretty darn funny to watch these marionettes try to fight, dance or love on each other though...borderline silly. However, the Danish filmmakers (you know it had to be European) deserve some credit in the creative ways they incorporate the actual strings (title anyone?) that control the puppets. They don't ignore the fact that something from above controls them, but play to that fact by constantly referencing their vitality through the strings. With the help of those digitally enhanced nuances, this dark allegory works well on many levels. As interesting and different this approach to acting is, let's hope they don't completely faze out our beloved Hollywood marionettes who play so well upon their own strings.

4 out of 5 stars