| There will be those who will see only junk, and those who will see "a cluster of possibilities" |
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| written by ZenBones |
December 13, 2004 - 2:37 AM PST |
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4 out of 6 members found this review helpful
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| To glean is to see something beautiful or useful in something that is conventionally useless, pointless or ugly, and to make that thing even more beautiful or useful. One can consume the stuff they glean, or they could recycle it into an art form, creating a whole new purpose for the object(s). Gleaning also applies to our basic ability for survival. In the worst times of our lives, whether it's the death of a friend or facing poverty or illness, there is a way of seeing things positively that helps us survive. Thus, faith and hope are gleaned in the face of disparity. Scientists glean facts and turn them into theory. We glean possibilities every time we use our imaginations. We glean memories when we write (James Joyce was probably the world's greatest literary gleaner). And psychiatrists pay attention to what others don't notice by gleaning beneath the stubborn surface of our egos. This film blew me away in how it depicted how much waste our society makes, and the myriad of ways in which those who glean what we discard benefit society. But the film is even more than a fascinating documentary and social statement. As one can see from the concepts listed above, it's also a celebration of seeing our world and ourselves as a "cluster of possibilities." There are many theories that we are all in essence stardust developed from fragments of 'the big bang' and quintessentially, this film is about "gleaners of stardust." It pertains to those who metaphorically glean the hidden mysteries and possibilities of our world (i.e. the gleaners of dreams and ideas). Come to think of it, film lovers and the best filmmakers are in fact, gleaners by that very definition. Agnes Varda has proven that she is one of the greatest gleaners of all time. |
| Delivers |
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| written by squad |
November 2, 2004 - 8:09 PM PST |
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3 out of 6 members found this review helpful
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| Very thorough look at gleaning in France. The volunteer teacher alone is worth watching. The film maker does a few silly things with her Handi-cam, but reminded me of others I know who at 80+ years do pretty much what they please, which is refreshing in a way, and foolish. But she is an experienced film maker, and most of the movie must have been done with a crew and regular equipment. If the topic interests you, go for it. |
| You can glean a lot here |
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| written by EFox |
January 13, 2004 - 9:17 PM PST |
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6 out of 8 members found this review helpful
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A previous reviewer doesn't care for anything about this film. But if you are someone who enjoys elegant photography, are interested in the different ways in which the poor and disenfranchised survive, or if you are an artist who uses found materials or are interested in people who do; if you are intrigued by the relationship between subject and director in documentary, or if you are fascinated by voluntary "drop-out" life-styles, there will be a lot here to hold your attention. Give it a try; take it slow.
This DVD also contains an hour-long follow-up documentary by the filmaker in which the real main character, I think, is a potato--it's worth watching to the end to see how it transmogrifies. (Non-visual types only interested in plot or spoon-fed themes need not bother). |
| Deadly |
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| written by aharper |
January 13, 2004 - 11:16 AM PST |
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1 out of 9 members found this review helpful
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I fell asleep, so this review is based only on the first half...
This movie is really an investigation of all the things that "gleaning" could mean. Maybe it's because I am not European, but I found it very boring. Many people will find it fatuous, pretentious, and irrelevant. I just didn't care. I don't care that people used to glean in the fields, but it is illegal in Burgandy now. I don't care that people live in trailers, and drink, and pick potatoes from the field. I don't care that mechanical harvesters leave more potatoes in the field than harvesting by hand. I don't care that potatoes that can't be sold in European markets are dumped. These are not important issues to me.
Those who have lived in France and have more direct experience with French social issues will definitely have a different opinion. |
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