Bruno Pugh
Cinema is not merely about entertainment but also about introspection. It invites us to slow down, contemplate, and appreciate the nuances of storytelling that unfold at its deliberate pace. However, in this article, we will explore the unconventional side of cinema, where some films have tested audiences’ patience over time.
The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017)
Yorgos Lanthimos serves up this surreal psychological thriller that’s as unsettling as it is meticulously paced. Watching “The Killing of a Sacred Deer” feels like solving a Rubik’s Cube in the dark—confusing yet strangely addictive. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, it throws another twist that will surely leave you scratching your head.
The Village (2004)
M. Night Shyamalan’s thriller about a secluded village threatened by mysterious creatures starts with promise but quickly descends into boredom. The plot twist feels forced, and the slow buildup can leave some audiences checking their watches. Some reviews of the movie state that despite its atmospheric setting, “The Village” fails to deliver the suspense it promises.
Last Year at Marienbad (1961)
Alain Resnais’ enigmatic presentation of memory and perception challenges viewers with its inconsistent storytelling. The film’s fragmented structure invites interpretation and reflection, but its unconventional approach may frustrate those seeking clear plot resolutions or traditional storytelling. If you’re looking for more straightforward entertainment, perceive its emphasis on psychological depth as slow or confusing.
Gerry (2002)
“Gerry” prepares you to wander the desert with two men on a seemingly endless and aimless trek. Starring Matt Damon and Casey Affleck, this film features minimal dialogue but maximum existential depth, reflecting their arduous journey through a barren landscape. As they grapple with their survival instincts, you may find yourself drawn into a slow, contemplative burn that tests both their endurance and our patience.
The Turin Horse (2011)
Bela Tarr’s slow, meditative approach may feel monotonous or inaccessible to audiences expecting more traditional plot developments or character arcs. This minimalist masterpiece unfolds with long, contemplative shots that reflect the monotony and harshness of rural life. It offers unhurried pacing and sparse dialogue to invite viewers to reflect on existential themes.
Sleep (1963)
Would you prefer sinking into a meditative trance, the hypnotic rhythm challenging your ability to stay awake? Yes, some viewers claim that Andy Warhol’s “Sleep” does exactly so! The movie is a five-hour lullaby of people sleeping with less about the plot and more about drifting into a meditative state. Indeed, it’s an endurance test for your senses!
High Life (2018)
Directed by Claire Denis, “High Life” explores isolation and the human condition through the lens of space travel. Its non-linear narrative and slow-burning exploration of sexuality and morality require viewers to engage deeply with its philosophical undertones. Yet, its deliberate pacing and ambiguous storytelling may alienate audiences seeking more plot-driven narratives.
Russian Ark (2002)
While technically impressive with its single 96-minute take through the Russian State Hermitage Museum halls, “Russian Ark” can be perceived as boring due to its lack of traditional narrative elements. The film’s immersive historical setting and continuous shots may initially captivate viewers, but some may find it difficult to maintain interest throughout without proper character development.
A Prairie Home Companion (2006)
Robert Altman brings the beloved radio show to life with an ensemble cast and quirky humor. But despite its backstage antics and folksy charm, the film moves at a pace that makes waiting for your laundry seem like a thrill ride. It’s like being stuck in a slow-moving line at the county fair, listening to someone tell a long joke.
The Counselor (2013)
Despite its star-studded cast, including Michael Fassbender, Penélope Cruz, and Javier Bardem, Ridley Scott’s crime thriller is considered convoluted and sluggish. The dialogue is overly philosophical, and the plot is disjointed, making it difficult to stay engaged. The film’s pacing drags, leaving some audiences wishing for a more straightforward narrative.
A Ghost Story (2017)
Have you ever wondered what seeing a ghost watch paint dry is like? Well, “A Ghost Story” takes it further with long, lingering shots that make you feel like you’re haunting someone else’s Netflix queue. Its minimalist style and slow pace might leave you wishing for a spectral fast-forward button.
Tie Xi Qu: West of the Tracks (2002)
Wang Bing’s documentary “Tie Xi Qu: West of the Tracks” looks deep into the decline of an industrial region in China over nine immersive hours. For some, it’s a gripping, unfiltered glimpse into societal change and human resilience; for others, it may be a lengthy, introspective journey inducing deep contemplation, if not a nap.
Elephant (2003)
The next masterpiece in our list takes us back to the chilling echoes of the Columbine High School massacre. Through long, meandering shots of school corridors, the Gus Van Sant film blurs the line between the mundane and the ominous. Although its slow pacing builds an unsettling atmosphere, some viewers claim to be left with dread until the final, heart-wrenching climax.
Birth (2004)
Starring Nicole Kidman, “Birth” delves into themes of reincarnation and obsession when a woman believes a young boy is the reincarnation of her deceased husband. Despite its intriguing premise, the film’s muted emotional tone and deliberate pacing turned what could have been a gripping thriller into a contemplative, slow-burning drama.
The Postman (1997)
This post-apocalyptic saga by Kevin Costner is often remembered for its grand ambition and epic failure. Clocking in at over three hours, “The Postman” may be a laborious watch filled due to its unnecessary subplots and tedious dialogues. Although it has a grand scope, the film feels like a never-ending postal route with no exciting deliveries.
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