12/10/2024 rewatch

Gone up a level on this watch for sure, which I kind of knew it would do going into this. When I first watched, I really liked it but immediately after viewing I wasn’t aware how much I’d think about it. Since watching I’ve used it in conversations so much and recommended it to people before even watching it again myself. Whenever thinking about humanity or our world on a wide scale, I’ve always had the thought or question of whether human capacity (current) is more limited than we feel it is. Because we are the most intelligent species we have encountered, it’s like the consensus is that if humans can’t understand it, it can’t be understood (until humans develop a way to understand it) - feels almost arrogant to me when I think about it. Because there is absolutely no reason why we’re not missing so so much stuff that is right there because the way we interpret things or think about things or experience things or communicate is limited - falsified or proven facts are only based on humans potentially insufficient experience/testing. Everything we understand or predict about the unknown is based on human experience of life and is attempted to apply beyond that sometimes (which does make sense cause that’s what we have). I feel like everything we crave the answers for could easily be there and we just can’t uncover it because we’re not equipped to do so. For example, if temperature was something we did not experience as humans we wouldn’t register it as a thing but that wouldn’t mean it doesn’t exist. Anyway, I remember having late night chats about this years ago and not being able to explain or even understand in my own head what I mean (have probably explained it awfully above still), but this film gives me something tangible and understandable to demonstrate what I feel. It’s like it’s given me license to understand, or at least make clear, my own thoughts which feels weird. I think this is the only film I’ve seen that really focuses on the limits of human understanding and the ability to understand more in this way. 

Currently in awe of Denis Villeneuve after seeing him talk earlier today, but I don’t think it’s bias to say he’s maybe the most assured director (level with others) in that you know you are watching something so well thought through and so carefully put together when watching any one of his films (especially from 2013 onwards). There’s just no blemishes and yet it still has heart and uniqueness. There’s not even a great amount of time dedicated to building all the characters backstory before the action kicks in, and yet because what we see is so well done, you know exactly who these characters are from the get go. Amy Adams performance is amazing because with minimal dialogue, just through her mannerisms, demeanour and subtle behaviours you can place her and picture her circumstances with ease from the opening 15-20 minutes. Then by the time we meet Jeremy Renner’s character, Louise is well established in our heads and allows us to place Ian, with what feels like small doses of screen time before entering the ship, but again adds layers so quickly almost without you knowing. They feel like real people the whole film which is always important for me. 

The design of everything in this is so great - the ships and the aliens are incredible and perfectly balanced between daunting and beautiful. I also think they absolutely nailed how the world would actually respond in this situation. The news bulletins are great and work so well in conveying a wider view of what’s going on, without giving you breaths away from the intensity of the camp you’re submerged in along with the characters. Another thing I loved is how it takes me back to studying English Language in school and why I found it interesting in the first place. Whilst I was talking originally about the limits of humans, the whole film has such a positive outlook on us and sense of hope. The focus on language and how powerful it is shows the innate specialness of humanity - it makes you feel somewhat spiritual because it’s like language isn’t just something we made up; it’s so engrained and influential and transcendent. It’s absolutely essential and so natural to humans that it’s not just a tool but equally an expression that is so tied to the world we live in and the idea that learning a different language changes the way you think and experience the world is the best possible way to show this. 

The last 15 minutes or so are so moving. From the moment Louise is seeing herself telling her daughter about the disease, but how she is unstoppable, I was getting goosebumps after goosebumps. To have so much emotion in a very scientific film, and to touch on such a relatable feeling of the passing of life and memory etc. despite showing it in a new way is so impressive. One moment I love is when Louise and Ian are stood and the camera pans up to Ian - the complete naivety he has in that moment (in comparison to Louise) is just so much, like I don’t know if it’s sad or nostalgic or what but it really hits you. He’s just so unaware but it’s still just as true what’s to come - maybe because that is literally you in this moment right now, like you don’t know but you’ve got a story that’s gonna unfold in front of you for the rest of your life. This final sequence is massively aided by the backing of On the Nature of Daylight - just an insanely beautiful piece of music. 

Think this is my favourite Villeneuve now. At least until I watch Dune 2 again. And Prisoners. And finally watch Incendies.