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So, tonight, as part of my convalescence, I watched the classic Spanish film The Spirit of the Beehive. I've read a lot about this one over the years, and I went in with lots of expectations, so I'm sad to report that the experience was often a slow, excruciating one. I don't blame the film. It's me. I've been poisoned by several decades of fast-cut, all questions answered, no subtlety storytelling. This movie is quiet, reflective, VERY deliberately paced. There were some haunting moments, including a very effective ending, but I was sad to find myself so impatient with a movie I was supposed to, and was prepared to, be knocked out by. (I found myself mentally writing dialogue for the long scenes in which nobody spoke.) It was a tedious enough experience that I'll be disinclined to revisit it anytime soon, but I feel bad about it. I know a few scenes will stick with me, and the young girl who gives its central performance is flawless.
In spite of that, I'd be curious to know what others make of it, and I can see where it would have been an influence on Sr. Del Toro and his ilk.
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