Why isn't he making more movies?
When the conversation of who was to direct Man of Steel was held, the first names to jump to my mind were Clint Eastwood and Alejandro Jodorowsky. Both men have vastly different styles and agendas when it comes to making film, but they do share a certain reflective quality, a thoughtfulness, that I was looking for in a Superman story (which I still liked, by the way). Actually, the hero would've been a mere vessel for the filmmakers, as they explore themselves the more they examine the star.
Seriously, why isn't Alejandro making more movies?
A lack of appreciation from Hollywood can't stop Jodorowsky, though it did slow him down for a time. It's been about 20 years since his last cinematic project, but it's clear from his return, The Dance of Reality, that the time spent away from the camera must've been helpful. It all starts with an explosion of gold coins, and a wise Jodorowsky speaking on the meaning of money. Then, we dive headfirst into the story of his childhood and, more importantly, his father. The issue of money is never directly referenced again, but I have a strong feeling that it's integral to all of it.
From the initial reviews I read, I was expecting a full blown surrealistic experience. Instead, I got a journey towards exorcism and enlightenment. An almost straight movie of faith, it was. My viewing of The Dance of Reality took place soon after watching the Kirk Cameron Left Behind Trilogy, and I would classify both to be part of the spiritual genre of cinema - Though, one is cynical while the other is genuine. Much more genuine, actually. Where the Kirk Cameron series of movies was more or less leaflet propaganda meant just for an audience already converted, Jodorowsky's film is speaking from and reaching for the heart. It's not anti reason but rather pro soul, whatever that might be for the audience.
With Jodorowsky, we get the strong sense of honesty, despite the story not being (and not meant to be taken as) literal. What happens in his movie is not necessarily what actually happened in his early years. We see visuals representing what Alejandro felt at the time, and what he feels now. In one scene, where his father is about to set out on a political assassination, Jodorowsky (as he is now) stops the acting, enters the shot, puts a gun in his father's hand, and starts the action again. He is in control. These are not just Jodorowsky's memories and emotions, but how he would've liked these events to have unfolded. Through film, he's giving his father a chance to learn and grow. More than an act of alchemy, this is an act of higher truth and of brutal/beautiful openness.
I thought about the length of the movie, and how it could've stood having further trims. What a shameful thing to say in this case. Would a therapist tell his patient to pick up the pace? Would a grandchild tell the grandparent to get to the point? Patience is a virtue - one that I was happy to be retaught by the end. Every moment is as important as the one prior, giving insight into a life trying to make sense of itself. Why can't we get a Superman movie in this way? Cause it's not marketable?
Suddenly, I understand the opening sequence about money much more.
5/5 *s
The Dance of Reality plays at Zeitgeist Multi Disciplinary Arts Center from June 13th - 19th.
