The cinematography in this film was pretty incredible. There was almost a romantic view of the US south- neon motel lights, colossal motorway overpasses and endless rocky landscapes, perhaps owing to the German production. An outsiders' view always manages to find the beauty in what I'm sure many Americans would think of as very mundane and perhaps sad. I can't comment a whole lot on the plot as I had to watch the film over a couple of days and it is very long and slow moving although I think the best way to describe it is a portrait of a mysterious character who's story is slowly revealed (very slowly, he doesn't talk until 20 minutes into the film.)
But back to the cinematography; I love the colours that the film of the 80s manages the capture so well, like the richness of sunsets and artificial lights. The way the setting has been captured seems to show a fascination with everyday Americana and makes a twisting maze of overpasses look exotic (it certainly makes me want to take a road trip.) Some of the most interesting scenes are set inside of a 'peepshow' I guess it would be called. Miniature 'sets' that resemble different settings; poolside, café, motel, are completely controlled to be perfect little fantasy worlds and the way the interaction of the characters on the inside and outside of the one way mirror is shot is really interesting, the contrast of the inside and outside world. The artificial lighting in primary colours just adds an instant sleazy and mysterious atmosphere and the green lights in the car park with the sunset behind is stunning. I would love to experiment with lighting in film or photography one day.
Forgive my terrible little 'review', I need to practice writing so that I can coherently put into words what I mean about ~things~.
