Amerika (+ En Rachachant)

1983 work based on the Kafka novel. Straub-Huillet
Back to the almost expressionist look of early work. Less focussed on one individual, there is even the hint of an old track-in at once point.
Use of a wide angle that is almost Wellesian, creates a distorted world with the usual StraubHuillet framings. Almost all of their shots stretch deep into the distance, a tendency seen elsewhere in their work.
There is again a lot of dialogue in this adaption, delivered as ever laconically. Use of an incredible stillness of its speakers, as ever. A stasis, a fixed nature of the positions, a not very funny absurdity, fits Kafka’s tone well.
Perhaps closer than ever seen to fitting the manner of Kafka’s work (we look forward to Welles’, who for all his difference in tone is owed much by Straub-Huillet, version of ‘The Trial’)
(1982, 7’); based on a Margaret Duras work. Rather a relief; but back and forth, a well told story. Displays the overhead framings, and a fixed camera position where someone can reframe themselves by moving around, so only there body is in shot. Also assymetrical, sloping tables etc. With a sly sense of humour, this is a small pleasure.