A Thought of Ecstasy

This film does seem confusing to viewers, and as far as I know the director has not come out to come down to earth regarding the story. If we the viewers spend 90 minutes of our life watching it, the director should at least comment publicly for us so we will not have wasted our time. Towards the end of the film I pieced together a very beautiful yet serious and thoughtful and unforgettable story, a story in which I know who the three women were and what they represented and why they did what they did. I give the film with that story 10 stars. However, that may not be the same story that the director had in mind. In such case, I give the film 1 star for having a clumsy director. Since I don't know, I will go mid-range and give it 5 stars on imdb. Really, the story that appeared in my mind is beautiful and unforgettable. Maybe I should have been the director.

No pun intended - because it is also the depiction of ... well I reckon you can call it Ecstasy. Or a highlight - a moment of absolute satisfaction? That may be way too much to be honest. One thing you should know: there is a lot of nudity and a lot of graphic scenes (as in explicit). Just be aware of that, if you have issues with those things. Especially because the actors do look directly at you at some points - like after or during pleasing themselves.

That being said, the movie itself stays bleak for most of the time. At least when it comes (sorry for the pun) to the mood - and I reckon also the photography. Which looks stunning by the way. Apparently the DP is usually a photo camera man and not a film camera man. Maybe some will see that as a bad thing - but I liked what he shot - be open minded. Which is true for the whole movie experience. Depending on how much you've seen media wise, how easy you can be shocked ... well this will all play into your experience. Also if you get some nods to other movies.

Slow paced and some other things that might connect with most viewers - but the filmmaker is consistent. And I reckon we will see more of him ... I wouldn't mind.

...but in any case need to have the patience to see it to the (interesting) end - avoid the spoilers for that of course.

First 30min or so one might find it hard to get through but the characters grow with time, and the erotic visuals bridge the strange (not very sense making) monologues. And the landscapes of (suppose) Nevada empty desert are stunning too.

Generally while watching I thought this feels like a Werner Herzog film without (the usually interesting Herzog-) narration but with artfully filmed (not appearing cheap or just exposing nudity) pretty stunning naturally beautiful looking females. Not spoiling but as a precaution for (cis)women thinking of watching, unfortunately for them there is only more or less one male to look at in the flesh, which is the director himself. So apart from film art students of any gender, it might visually be more suited for a male audience (or couples) who will enjoy watching - if patience and time is no issue :)

The film is well shot and is sort of a mix between Kahl's own vision and Antonioni, Lynch and other influences. Great actresses too: both the two newcomers and the ever-charming Deborah Unger are prefect in their roles.

It was intriguing. Yes, it is provocative, exploring sexuality, but it also makes you think and deal with it - deal with the complicated feeling. The story itself without the artistic extras is also interesting.

Not a movie for everyone, I think one should be open to new ideas and opinions to like this movie. Then again, quoting my mother:

"People are fine with watching people killed in movies with their kids, but when it comes to physical intimacy, they feel uncomfortable"

Sadly it's true, yet it can be argued, that every sensible human knows that killing is not okay and maybe they feel that seeing sex or something along the same lines is too intimate for the TV? I don't know and I digress.

If you want to experience something new, watch this movie :)

If you won't make it until the end, that's fine, people have different levels for tolerating things. I myself am 17 and would say I'm rather innocent and it wasn't too much for me - while I was watching this next to my mother on a big screen, I was actually laughing, not feeling bad.

I recommend it to everyone.