Paced Poetry

Jeanne Dielman, 23 Quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles (1975)

In a world full of mainstream movies, poetry in cinema is a rare and beautiful thing. These three directors are true poets, and it should not be surprising that they all share a female perspective.

Jeanne Dielman, 23 Quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles (1975) is directed by Chantal Ackerman. A single mother does everything she can to provide for her teenage son. Ackerman takes her time to allow for the details in Jeanne’s daily regimens. Not enough can be said about this fine piece of work.

Phantom Love (2007)

Phantom Love (2007) is directed by Nina Menkes. A woman seems dissatisfied with her life and family. Through repetitions and profound imagery, Menkes weaves a film to be experienced. Phantom Love is filmed in high-contrast black and white, and her other choices are equally spot-on.

We Need to Talk About Kevin (2011)

We Need to Talk About Kevin (2011) is directed by Lynne Ramsay. Kevin is at odds with his mother from an early age. Despite her maternal efforts, the frustrations keep mounting. The resulting film is a carefully constructed psychological profile concerning the dynamics between a troubled mother and her troubled son.

About the Author

Norbert made Murfreesboro, Tenn., his home in 1997. He conceived the Living Room Cinema column in 2006, and submits them regularly to the Murfreesboro Pulse. Aside from his love of films, Norbert is also an avid photographer. He is the very proud father of two, he beats on an old guitar, and plays a dicey game of Chess at best. Like Living Room Cinema at facebook.com/livingroomcinema.