Review: "Abacuc" (2014) by Luca Ferri

I had the chance to see “Abacuc” by Luca Ferri at the Macro in Via Nizza as part of the film show “Fuorinorma”.

Shot on Super8 in an occasionally slightly greenish-hued B&W, the film is a convincing representation of a void both emotional and topographic.

An overweight nobody wandering around places which have lost any significance, Abacuc leads a nonlife amid visual phantoms such as illustrated books, quaint photos of deceased people and female mannequin heads. Solitary boat trips alternate with regular visits to the cemetery in a catatonic repetition of the same old gestures.

Albeit rather extraordinary in his size, Abacuc might be anybody and his life might well stand for everybody’s life. Nothing changes, and nothing may ever change for somebody like him who cannot love but a projection of himself. In the end nobody will come to Abacuc's rescue. But in all this there’s also a hint of comedy, because, in the director’s words, “nothing is funnier than reiteration”.

Rating: 3 and a half stars out of five

  ***

 

* Have you enjoyed reading this review and would like more interviews, reviews and translations? Consider making a small donation via PayPal or Ko-fi to support this blog *