Mirror1975

100/100 Letterboxd keeping the Max rating up to 5 only is a crime.   This is my 3rd film of Tarkovsky and it seems like whatever I write or praise about this “messiah of movie lovers” feels like I have done very less. I literally bow down to him. OH.MY.GOD.  I am so confused what to write about this. My mind right now is as non-linear as the film and getting many thoughts on it. But I would like to tell that this is by far the most deliciously complex film from Tarkovsky I have watched so far. It’s not until some minutes into the film that I realised this is totally about Alexie’s mind who is actually dying - his memories with his mother, past, present, dreams, wars and most importantly relationship with his mother. Tarkovsky yet again shoots the film in his signature style that is largely rhapsodic and very very spiritual at core if we see his ultimate intention. Long frames that has some meaning, Shifting scenes back and forth, strange character confronting the lead at times, similar faces, scenes having no traditional narrative manoeuvre that actually breaks the core structure of writing a script. Tarkovsky has broken the same every time which I always appreciate because it’s all in the genius execution (Nobody can break the structure and become great directors just like that).   Yes, it’s complex but Tarkovsky also expected his audience to totally plunge into his unusual narrative and possessing us to love every bit of what’s happening on screen even if it takes some time to get adjusted in the beginning. Once I am in his films, it really feels like “Oh, this is what is exactly called CINEMA” and then makes us to discuss on the same and watch the film multiple times.  This massive feature in Tarkovsky is what has made him one of the most unique and all time great filmmakers. I literally again bow down to him.