Whether you watch 'Sayat Nova' all the way through or turn it off after 10 minutes really depends on whether you believe a film should simply tell a linear story or can be a purely artistic endeavour. Because Parajanov isn't known for his more mundane Soviet-approved films, but the ones that got him tossed in the gulag. And 'Sayat Nova' really rubbed the party officials the wrong way.
Like 'Shadows of our Forgotten Ancestors', this film, popularly referred to in the West as 'The Colour of Pomegranates', is more of a fever dream than a 'movie'. But whereas 'Shadows' tells a very simple folk tale elaborated on with innovative and frenetic camera techniques, 'Sayat Nova' portrays the life of a renowned poet through a series of gorgeously art directed moments that are so intricately detailed, they resemble frescos.
The result is less of a biopic and something more akin to a poem or a religious experience. Admittedly, to me, it felt a bit like walking into the room of a contemporary art museum where an odd art film is playing; sitting through the entire think can get tedious. However, I stuck with it purely to see what stunning image would come next.
While it's not for everyone, 'Sayat Nova' is a one of a kind experience that will truly inspire any aspiring filmmaker or artist. If you enjoyed the imagery of Jodorowsky's 'Holy Mountain' or the weirdness of Ken Russell's dreamlike films, you might want to check this out.
Like 'Shadows of our Forgotten Ancestors', this film, popularly referred to in the West as 'The Colour of Pomegranates', is more of a fever dream than a 'movie'. But whereas 'Shadows' tells a very simple folk tale elaborated on with innovative and frenetic camera techniques, 'Sayat Nova' portrays the life of a renowned poet through a series of gorgeously art directed moments that are so intricately detailed, they resemble frescos.
The result is less of a biopic and something more akin to a poem or a religious experience. Admittedly, to me, it felt a bit like walking into the room of a contemporary art museum where an odd art film is playing; sitting through the entire think can get tedious. However, I stuck with it purely to see what stunning image would come next.
While it's not for everyone, 'Sayat Nova' is a one of a kind experience that will truly inspire any aspiring filmmaker or artist. If you enjoyed the imagery of Jodorowsky's 'Holy Mountain' or the weirdness of Ken Russell's dreamlike films, you might want to check this out.