- Sensibility: The relationships she has with her son and the neighbor are a bit odd, but otherwise the film is painfully sensible.
- Cinematography: Absolutely stunning. The production design and costuming are excellent. Everything in this film is so meticulously crafted, from the lighting on the walls of the dining room to the timing of the movements. The extremely lethargy in the film also gives you time to take everything in.
- Energy: The film is intentionally, brutally slow. This pacing has an incredible effect. However, I think it's so slow that most people won't be able to endure the film long enough to enjoy the payoff.
- Narrative: Not many films can do so little and have so much. The film is unbelievably effective, creating anger, frustration, and anxiety in the viewer to match the growing resentment a of Jeanne Dielman. This film is shining example of how a movie can show the story rather than tell it, with the longest stretches of dialogue only being a few words.
- T-Points: The film received four bonus points: one for a great shot of Jeanne's torso with the introduction of the first trick, one for a shot at a restaurant with a mug placed perfectly between two chairs, one for a horrifying third trick, and one for the masterful subtlety in the contrast between Jeanne's breathing while sitting in the arm chair before the third trick and Jeanne's breathing while sitting at the dining table in the dark after the third trick.
This film is a chore for the viewer just as most of the narrative is chores for Jeanne Dielman. A paragon of visual storytelling even if it will likely only be enjoyed and appreciated by a niche crowd.
Number of Watches: 1
