361. In Praise Of Nothing; movie review

IN PRAISE OF NOTHING
Cert TBA
78 mins
BBFC advice: TBA

It hurts me that I don't have a button which appreciates the finer nuances of the more poetic arts.
Critical appraisal suggests that I should have been bathing in Iggy Pop's narrative of In Praise Of Nothing as if I were in a fountain of dark chocolate.
But while he has wonderfully deep tones which accompanied some beautiful images, I have to be honest and admit that I did not get the premise of Boris Mitic's film.
Some brief reading has revealed that it was inspired by the medieval classic essay 'In Praise of Folly' from 1513.
Instead of Folly, Pop reads out thoughtful rhymes, portraying the character of Nothing, as it views images from across the world.
"You what?", I hear most of you cry and I have to confess I am with you. 
How can Nothing be a character?
And yet, Mitic's film took eight years to create and involved 62 cinematographers who contributed clips from across the world.
They were commissioned to record their versions of nothing but, inevitably, their work is more thoughtful than images which one might expect to be associated with such a negative concept.
Some have plumped for what may be deemed ordinary where they were filmed but would be viewed as extraordinary in other parts of the world.
These may range from exotic ceremonies, to landscapes or simply children playing.
The shots and Pop's poetry are backed by music from cabaret rockers Tiger Lillies and Pascal Comelade.
It's promotional material claims In Praise Of Nothing is a 'massive cosmic comedy'.
But that would surely imply that the audience should be prompted to laugh. I couldn't think of a single person who would.
But, hey, love is in the eye of the beholder and all that so, I can only say that I wasn't a fan and accept that others are.


Reasons to watch: Some of teh images are outstanding
Reasons to avoid: The concept is difficult to take on board

Laughs:  None
Jumps: None
Vomit:  None
Nudity: On a photograph
Overall rating: 4/10

Director quote - "Nothing is truly a legitimate subject, and an important and necessary one for documentary film—I no longer have any doubts about that. However, as the veracity of the subject is elusive and even paradoxical, the audience must be made willing to play this intellectual game, which is itself more important and fruitful than all the answers one may seek in it."

The big question - Why do we all see art differently?

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