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Now
that's high contrast
Feud between brothers...
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One
of the most original films to come out of Canadian cinema in a long
time, Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner comes from a unique heritage,
combining modern technology with centuries old myths. A modern retelling
of an Inuit story handed down through the generations as an oral
fable, this is the first time it has been recorded on a permanent
medium, filmed entirely on digital video. The results are striking
and almost entirely successful.
See
video trailer here
Directed
by Inuit videographer Zacharias Kunuk, Atanarjuat is the
story of two brothers, one strong, the other fast, who run afoul
of a rival trio of brothers. Minor disputes build between the families
ultimately leading to murder after one of the two brothers (Atanarjuat)
succeeds in winning a betrothed bride from the eldest rival.
At
once a grim tale of revenge and an absorbing piece of cultural exploration,
The Fast Runner is totally fresh. Not just the story itself
or its setting, but in the way the storytelling winds through the
roughly hour and a half running length without becoming tiresome.
Many scenes end or begin without note, leaving the audience to link
it with the background. Ceremonies of magic and tests of strength
are presented without explanation. There are no outsiders that serve
as a cipher for our exploration of the Inuit culture. Indeed, the
filmmakers have made this legend a story for the Inuit, a story
that just happens to intrigue outsiders with its universal lesson
of justice and its often offbeat humour.
Although
filmed entirely on DV, Atanarjuat looks great after the transfer
from DV to 35mm. The incredible lighting of the arctic, provides
images of beautiful contrast. A bright, stark sun blasting over
white ice. The low burn of a fire reflecting on wizened faces inside
an igloo. The naked hero running barefoot over ice, bleeding on
snow, while in slow motion hunters lope in his footsteps. It almost
seems that the contrast of the images serves as a metaphor for the
clarity of purpose in the revenge story.
Last
night Atanarjuat won the Genie award for Best Feature in
Canada and Best Director award for Zacharias Kunuk. This follows
an equally notable win for Kunuk at Cannes (Camera D'or for best
first feature).
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Stories: Atarnajuat:
The Fast Runner wins Genie for Best picture, Atanarjuat
wins Camera D'or for Zacharias Kunuk
Distribution
pending
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