Vale dos Deuses

Its pretty confusing and jumps about a bit, but here is what I think its about. Its an arthouse lesson on the uselessness & meaninglessness of modern Western life, as compared with a more spiritual existence lived(or suposedly) by the original inhabitants of America, with a bit of gratuitous arty opulance thrown in. Does it hit any of its marks - NO Is it worth a watch? put it on if you are doing something else and want background visuals. Music - 2/10 Camera work - 5/10 Acting - 4/10

Valley of the Gods (2019). Josh Hartnett and John Malkovich star in this off-beat allegorical film directed by Polish director Lech Majewski. Likely filmed partly on location in Monument Valley, Utah. The movie echoes the stark Melancholia (2011) artistic style. Relatively hard to follow for those who prefer their movies straight forward and literally interpreted, Valley of the Gods is deliberately photographed with a beautiful and lush palette as a major backdrop. The storyline however is obtuse and surrealistic and becomes more of mood piece with inductive scenes that necessarily require flexible and adaptative mental osmosis where the mind brings together the slow paced pieces of an eclectic plot known mostly in the imagination of the director. If one can bring oneself to watch one of the worst movies in a number of ways, The Loneliest Planet (2011), however, Valley of the Gods could actually be a rather stimulating and creatively intriguing experience. Definitely not for everybody. It is watchable and preferably with a sense of patient wonder and a love of nature.

"Entwines Navajo lore with a reclusive trillionaire and his would-be biographer, creating a fascinating, mysterious and idiosyncratic vision of America."

Alternative take: ,,,creating a montage of beautiful, enigmatic scenes layered in Navajo mumbo jumbo and pretentious philosophical affectations.

I watched the whole thing. It took several stops and restarts because I had to stop and look around for my interest in it. Allegories abound, either far too abstract for me or so simple I resent making the trip, despite the very high quality of the production and the exquisite settings and scenery. I'm perfectly comfortable if this is a 'sour grapes' response.

In keeping it as short and as I can, I would say this is a film that juxtapositions with mathematical synchronicity held magnificently together by all actors and staff involved. The film is a masterpiece that expresses exactly what it wants you to understand and exactly what it wants to show you. Great performances all around, and a selfless production throughout...

What Alan Watts penned, 'The Game', what the Wachowski's call, 'The Matrix'. It's a hard idea to capture tangibley without producing something quite literal. This films seemingly separate narratives, forms an allegory in an attempt to capture this universal material. Any effort towards this material deserves acknowledgement.