The Saragossa Manuscript

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William S 06/21/2024 Has some great shots, but otherwise it's extremely boring. Stories within stories within stories lend it a sense of complexity that is unwarranted, undeserved, and goes so underutilized by its conclusion that it falls flat for anyone but the snobbiest of film snobs. Want to impress your friends with pretentious references to an old movie they'll probably never see? Then this film is for you. Otherwise, I wouldn't waste my time. See more 11/13/2021 The subplot within a subplot within a subplot isa little confusing at times but added a wonderful texture to the film and also embalmes the hilarity of the whole thing. Despite the subject matter the film is very lighthearted and the wit is as sharp as their swords and far more subtle. There are some killer lines in here, very funny indeed. Loved the whole retinue of larger than life characters, there were some right ragamuffins among that lot and easy to love them all! Alfonso's father apologising for having taken the other's time after being stabbed through the heart in a duel and the inquisition complaining about the 'noisy sinner' before clobbering him with a image of the Virgin Mary. Quite cleverly written too. Still not really sure what the film was about, at least what the end meant, and do wonder if it was deliberately ambiguous because the 'it was all a dream' thread would be a little cliche yet the film does hint at that slightly. I didn't really have any idea what to expect but hard to categorise the film, I'd put it as a comedy-adventure-fantasy. Perhaps the whole thing was a satire about the farcical nature of religion in a subdued nod to Voltaire's Candide, or perhaps highlighting the mystical edge that Islam sometimes has compared to the rigid collar (or iron mask!) of Christianity. It was long at nearly three hours but liked the two parts - funny all the way through but certainly things did get denser in the second part. I will give it nice eight out of ten, in a way I feel it's a little over generous but am happy to confess it is because of a subjective soft spot for that sort of subtle intelligent farcical wit. See more William L 07/19/2021 "I'm confused. I don't know where reality ends and fantasy begins." "You mean poetry?" Stories create more stories. Everything tied together in one massive, twisted knot of drama, humor, love, loss, possibility, and surrealism. Conventional plot is tossed out the window in pursuit of this playful, maddening interconnectedness. Just when you believe that we have arrived at some form of progression, the narrative totally veers in Part 2, diving into a seemingly unrelated heap of stories within stories loaded with symbolism, imaginative imagery, crossed wires, and multi-role performances that each provide context to one another, but only with a sense of delayed gratification. All I want is more surreal, supernatural period pieces that focus on character development to drive the plot and require multiple viewings to fully comprehend. Is that very particular request too much to ask? (5/5) See more 05/01/2018 This truly fits the "lost masterpiece" category - an enchanting, engrossing riddle of a film, weaving stories within stories until you have no idea what is "real" and what just a fantasy or magic spell. Its 3-hour running time flew by and at the end I wished there was more. A brilliant and unique film. See more 01/15/2016 The Saragossa Manuscript is a very interesting film displaying a tour de force of complex narratives, story within the story and time warp. Definitely a black & white classic from the 60's , this wonderfully shot, acted and directed film is hard to classify. Mixing slapstick, grotesque, surrealism, esoteric, dreaming and swashbuckling sequences, this "head trip" experience should prove to be quite a journey for the audience. I highly recommend multiple viewings to fully understand the complexity of the plots and narratives but also to fully absorb the many baroque elements spread across the screen. A must see for any film buff out there. See more 10/24/2015 Filled with beautiful symbolism. As poetic as Wojciech Has seems to always be. See more Read all reviews

The Saragossa Manuscript

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