The Carl Dreyer's film, Gertrud, is the last masterpiece of the great director. The history treat of the woman in isolation. Adapted from a 1920s play by Hjalmar Soberberg, Gertrud plays out in long takes, with few close-ups and exterior scenes.The pace and rhythm of the actions and interactions are retarded to the point that many of the conversations take on an almost incantatory quality. A small gesture and sound effect at the very end of the coda epitomize the complexity of feeling that Dreyer creates about the worldly renunciations and imaginative substitutions in Gertrud. Though initial critical reaction to the film was largely unfavorable. The picture is deliberate and reflective but not boring. I recommend.
Review of Gertrud
