Critique: Keep the River on Your Right is an engrossing, often thought provoking film. What prooves to be surprisingly limiting however, is the fact that Schneebaum has nothing worthy to film besides the notoriety of living with natives for a few years. That's not to say he didn't live a good live, or he isn't a good person, or he didn't live an enjoyable life. I only mean that the audience doesn't have a lot to keep us interested in, so the directors have to pound home the same pounts again and again. Still there is just enough to make the film a grippingly eccentric tale. The director's have good judgement in not trying judge Schneebaum, or tell whether is weird opinions are wrong or right. They are effective in simply presenting him, and surrounding him with polished cinematography and off beat music. The only quip I have with the cinematography is that it uses the sun ray effect too frequently.
One of the film's strengths is Schneebaum's ability to rattle off wise remarks. All though not everything Schneebaum says is accurate or interesting, for the most part he has a lot of funny, and thoughtful reflections. The journey the film takes is so unorthodox that there is rarely a moment of boredom to be had. This story is original, something films in 2001 and 2000 are not making an effort to be. It is vividly told, and their are some utterly fascinating interviews. The film's fault is its unneccesary repetition, and it needed to be edited some. 'Keep the River' also often feels choppy, not smooth as a film should be. The format of a documentary probably lends easily to that, mostly because you have no script. Still, the great film makers can find a way to make it work anyway. I would therefore deduct points, but not too many.
Keep the River isn't captivating all the time, and has its flaws. It needs to be edited down, and perhaps have its focuses diversified. Yet, the film is very worthy of your time. It's recommendable because for the most part it is very interesting, and because Schneebaum's wise reflections are interspered effectively. The Shapiro directors crafted a well made, well photographed, mostly absorbing film.
review by supernothingman |
