The Third Day: Autumn

A twelve-hour live event shot in one continuous take. I saw this special when it aired on Facebook Live on 3 October 2020, but I couldn't sit through that much longer. Today I watched the 83 minutes version on HBO Brasil's YouTube page.

Nothing special in this special. A time wasting event that is boring, confusing and disturbing.

Brilliant and highly competent cast, unfortunately the storyline is sketchy at best and almost incomprehensible at worst. Loose ends abound and its difficult to see how they can all be married together before interest in the eventual outcome is totally lost.

It's impossible for me to imagine the series The Third Day without including this 12 hr livestream- though I was interested in the 6 episode mini-series without any awareness of this livestream performance, I now see the stream as the anchor that grounds the surrounding episodes.

As it stands on it's own, it is mind blowing in it's conception and execution. While it is slow, at times frustratingly so for a purist like myself who forgoes the skip forward or 2x playback options, like in the works of other filmmakers such as Bela Tarr or Lav Diaz, the pace contributes to the immersive and near-hypnotic effect, allowing for countless moments of contemplative beauty. Weather noticing a particular piece of clothing on one of the actors, or a crumbling bit of architecture, or the movement and temperament of weather, it somehow both sucks you into the story/setting while also making you aware of the awe inspiring feats of performance and filmmaking on display.

As far Jude Law, it's no surprise that he's a veteran actor with talent and charisma to spare, this is the kind of performance (and project) that will long outlive him. I'm so glad Law signed on for this series, as I can't imagine a lesser actor trying to take on the transformation this character was to endure.

I love seeing new and innovative ways to tell a story. The six episodes of the show are great, but this live performance, fittingly placed in the center of the story, is what elevates it to an enduring work of art. It's really a shame to see the luke-warm reception from critics and the public- I can only thank HBO for embracing the project and once again presenting ground breaking television. And an even bigger thank you to the creators, cast and crew, for this monumental work.

I'd really love to know what Jude Law did to Marc Munden to warrant this level of mistreatment...

But in all seriousness, "The Third Day: Autumn" is an astonishing technical achievement & both the cast & crew involved should be enormously proud of themselves, successfully managing to create a 12 hour live theatre event broadcast to the public - boasting exceptional cinematography & performances throughout - featuring practical stunts & striking visual imagery with no CGI or post production amendments, timed / directed to perfection.

A genuinely audacious endeavour & creatively, remarkably adventurous. Even though it may not be to everyone's tastes, there's no doubting the bravery of such a bold undertaking & thus, the sheer courage required by everyone to pull this off has to be commended & applauded.

Now, I enjoyed the six part drama. It too was weird, but in a good way. This? This was way out there!

I didn't see the full 12 hour edition, just the 'highlights'. And I have to admit I didn't enjoy it.

So why the 9/10?

Because I can see that it was a technical masterpiece and would have been phenomenal, if a tad gruelling, to watch live.

I haven't given it a ten because I'm not sure why it was made and it is really, really weird!

That said, I've no doubt I'll be thinking about it for a long time, and everyone involved did a stellar job.

I looked up the island of Osea and apparently it's a fancy holiday resort. I don't think I'll be visiting, but I wish them well!