Prometheus

I saw this film when it was released in the cinemas many years ago and don't know how I might see it again. It was probably one of the least commercial films to be made by Film Four, with a big chunk of Arts Council money. It would probably seem incomprehensible to many people but for those of us who grew up in Britain in the 1970s and 1980s, it makes a lot of sense. The film looks back over sixty years of European history and politics; the actors speak completely in verse; it's intelligent and darkly funny. It's unlike other film I've ever seen. It does have the quality of a lecture or political discourse and that isn't why a lot of people go to see movies but for those people interested in art that really pushes the boundaries and that requires thought then it's definitely worth a watch.

Perhaps this is the truest form of Marmite in film has yet offered humanity. It seems to have been well reviewed by some sources and I cannot argue with their conclusions. Yet for me, these seem entirely erroneous.

The film, in my opinion, was too long, too contrived, too repetitive, too tedious, poorly directed and most of all I just found it sadly enormously dull. I could rant for some time, but I feel the best direction I can give to those who are reading this review is to tell of the reaction of my family and two friends (ages ranging from 16-59 years old) who one summer's evening drove out to an outdoor viewing of this film at which Tony Harrison was himself present.

We look back on it now with some hilarity, but of those 7 viewers (myself included) I can personally guarantee readers that this film could not possibly have attained more than 20 stars (less than 3 on average per person). It was, for us, a horrible evening of subjection to the worst form of artistic expression. I would urge readers to stay away from this film, but they say seeing is believing, so go find out for yourself. In my case, I truly believe this ranks amongst the worst "films" I have ever seen.

Of all the films I have seen, this must be the most intelligent and thoughtful. Many films deal with philosophical issues through characterization, plot etc, but this film takes them on directly, and the philosophy becomes the main theme rather than something that is explored as in a conventional (good) film). This is an extremely abstract film, open to a lot of different interpretations. However, if you are prepared to sit through the unconventional movie you have ever seen, and are of a cynical nature, you will love this film. It is a modern interpretation of the classical legend of prometheus, who stole fire from the gods, and is the most bitter and cutting attack on the free market economy you are likely to find. A group of unemployed steel workers are transformed into a 40 foot golden statue of prometheus, which is driven across Europe, through Auschwitz, industrial Eastern Europe, and finally to Greece. Hermes narrates. The film is so good, you wonder if the ending will let it down, but it is more inspired than you could imagine. For film fans (serious ones), those with an interest in classics and disillusioned intellectuals, this film is to die for. Everybody, attempt to see this. It is a masterpiece.