Arkadya
12-Nov-2013
A fascinating glimpse into one man's Ukrainian past and Brooklyn present, crisp HiDef intercuts with fleeting VHS images of what felt like yesterday but was actually 25 years ago. The film is directed by Alexander Kaluzhsky and the subject is his own father, who is photographed with great regard but from a distance. It's a heartbreaking work sent as a message, a call for intimate communication. But the father, who is in his 60's, is still busy with work, a businessman dealing with everyday matters of managing contractors and paying the always mounting bills. All you can think of is how fast time passes and how there's never time for anything. The camera is constantly floating through spaces, time is constantly shifting. You have to really watch and listen and absorb, but if you do, a sacred thing is in full view. Perhaps human existence itself, with all its disappointments and annoyances and memories, especially memories. Such a simple film, but so rich. Masterfully shot and composed.