Gerry

Last night after what seemed like another very long Sunday I came home from church and sat for a while. I noticed a DVD movie on the coffee table. It was one that Simon had been studying for a graphic arts subject at school. The movie was entitled 'Gerry'. Simon had told me several times how good it was, but also added that I would not like it. About 10.00 pm I put it on.

It was a most unusual film that intrigued me immediately. The film opens without any credits, actor’s names or even a title. The story is about two guys in their 20's both named Gerry, who go for a walk and get lost in the desert. They have no water or food with them at all. At first their confidence and humour propel them forwards. Their friendship however, is tested to the limits as their situation becomes increasingly critical. The movie is set against a back drop of rugged, austere beauty.

This is a film that breaks all the rules. There is very little plot, very little dialogue and no special effects at all. There is no female, and virtually no other actors in the entire movie.

Another fascinating characteristic of the movie is the use of long camera shots that do not change. In most movies these days the camera angle changes every few seconds. Some of the shots in this movie last seven minutes or more without changing. At first this is quite unnerving when you are used to the more typical high action intensity that Hollywood usually produces. There is a hypnotic monotony about much of the film. For periods of the time there is not even a musical score included. The film is not for the passive observer. It requires both great patience and presence. It is not a flim that provides some light entertainment value.


So what is it really all about? Here are two guys who have every prop in life ripped away from them. They have only unmapped paths of a rugged desert landscape stretching before them to trudge endlessly upon. They remain totally clueless as to what to do, and so they walk. What disturbed me even more is that the two guys seem somewhat unconcerned about their plight. The futility of their plight becomes increasingly gut wrenching. They are lost, and yet they always keep moving. That for me was the real impact. What does it mean to be lost?

The film is a visually powerful commentary on life full monotonous motion yet totally devoid of meaning and direction. As I watched I became increasingly agitated. Surely there must be more to it than what I am seeing. Surely people are looking for these guys. Surely a helicopter will appear in the sky.

When it did finally end I sat disturbed for several minutes before being able to move. Here was a provocative parable about the meaning of life. An unforgettable film.