Balthazar died in peace with animals surrounding him. I dont find it to be a tragic ending like many people say. He was old and would have die sooner or later, what would be a better way for him to die? The movie ends, his life ends. Death doesn't need to be tragic, it can be a blessing. I think it was a blessing for Balthazar.
shareDonkeys actually live 30-40 years.
shareToo f-cking perfect; they shouldn´t do that kinda sh-t, makes a man cry.
"facts are stupid things" - Ronald Reagan
Yes, perfectly bittersweet. Balthazar dies, but after a long and hard life he has finally found peace. There, in that meadow surrounded by sheep he finds his final rest. It called to my mind Jesus's position as the Good Shepherd, which at the time reinforced my view of the film as an allegory for Christian life. But then thinking on it more and reading others thoughts I realized settling on only one meaning discredits Bresson's genius.
When Balthazar limps into the meadow he is burdened down by material goods for the sake of a sinner's greed, he carries sin with him. This could place him as a Christ-like figure, bearing the burden of sin to a sacrificial death amongst his flock, or maybe it represents the exact opposite, he carries sin into an untainted flock. Perhaps he's just a donkey dying in a field, and it would be no less beautiful if the meaning was no more than that.
To me this shows the true beauty of art cinema, their openness to interpretation, their layers of meaning. I was raised up on simple american fare that, while fun, were largely devoid of true depth and meaning as we, the audience, had the meaning and themes of the work spoonfed to us like we were children. Heck, I used to think The Dark Knight was an 'exceptionally deep' film that tackled serious issues on human nature. *chuckles at self*
Anyway enough rambling. Balthazar's ending was one of those that left me staring wide-eyed at the screen with tears in my eyes and my jaw hanging open. All while my heart swells with emotion and my mind spins as it wonders at the meaning of it all. Of all the reactions I have to watching movies this sensation is without a doubt my favorite and one I have found so few times. Only 2001: A Space Odysey, The Tree of Life, and a couple of Tarkovsky's films have triggered it and I think it's all the more precious for its rarity.
Heck, I used to think The Dark Knight was an 'exceptionally deep' film that tackled serious issues on human nature. *chuckles at self*
Perhaps I did sound a bit smug there. I still think the Dark Knight is an excellent and thrilling film and still one of my personal favorites. I'm just saying as my experience in different forms and expressions of cinema deepens my perspective on other films shifts. The Dark Knight's strength is being entertaining and thrilling which it does extremely well. It is deep and thoughtful for a modern blockbuster but that is only extra goodness on top of the entertainment and not the main point of the feature. Whereas on an entertainment level Balthazar is no match for The Dark Knight but it doesn't matter because it offers more in the way of themes and meaning.
I will admit, as a young film enthusiasts, I can sometimes veer off into the realm of smug pretentiousness but know that is not what I wish to be. I like to think of myself as a lover of the cinematic artform in all shapes and sizes and can appreciate many films for different reasons.
If my statement offended you I am sorry. I wish you a good evening.
Cinema is an unhappy art as it depends on the money.
It is deep and thoughtful for a modern blockbuster but that is only extra goodness on top of the entertainment and not the main point of the feature. Whereas on an entertainment level Balthazar is no match for The Dark Knight but it doesn't matter because it offers more in the way of themes and meaning.
Yes. I'm not sure if you can actually define what 'true art' is. But to me a good qualifier is the effort and soul put into a work by the creator.
Cinema is an unhappy art as it depends on the money.
too predictable, was hoping for a twist ending there
so many movies, so little time