Comradeship

im insanely claustrophobic so this was basically a horror film to me

im insanely claustrophobic so this was basically a horror film to me

For the most part, Comradeship is a great film, and another brilliant addition to G. W. Pabst’s filmography. The early parts of the film is a great example of how to build tension in a contained setting. The practical effects are truly immersive, and I don’t see how they filmed many of the disaster-scenes without risking the lives of several of the involved actors. 

The film though does lose momentum towards its later parts of the rescue. There’s a heavy reliance on the titular “Comradeship” that does end up constricting the conflict between the French and German miners - overcoming their differences feels somewhat easy and the dispute is rushed. The ending follows in the same vein as there’s never a fully satisfactory ending to the individual stories presented during the film

Nevertheless Comradeship has s lot going for it - especially considering its age -, but the parts never come to fruition due to a lacking development of the story.

For the most part, Comradeship is a great film, and another brilliant addition to G. W. Pabst’s filmography. The early parts of the film is a great example of how to build tension in a contained setting. The practical effects are truly immersive, and I don’t see how they filmed many of the disaster-scenes without risking the lives of several of the involved actors. 

The film though does lose momentum towards its later parts of the rescue. There’s a heavy reliance on the titular “Comradeship” that does end up constricting the conflict between the French and German miners - overcoming their differences feels somewhat easy and the dispute is rushed. The ending follows in the same vein as there’s never a fully satisfactory ending to the individual stories presented during the film

Nevertheless Comradeship has s lot going for it - especially considering its age -, but the parts never come to fruition due to a lacking development of the story.

Criterion Challenge 202538. European FilmKomeradschaft, directed by G.W. Pabst, 1932

Prior to this film, the only film I had seen from Pabst was Pandora’s Box, which I found to be an incredibly beautiful film employing techniques ahead of its time. Komeradschaft is not too different and just as heavy-handed with its messaging, presenting a rather optimistic view of human nature and our bonds with one another. The film was inspired by the Courrièrs mine disaster, where a mine fire trapped and killed several workers and rescue workers from Germany and France banded together in their efforts to save lives.

While not as experimental for its time period as Pandora’s Box was, Komeradschaft is still very striking to look at. As I noticed before, Pabst has this strong sense of lighting that really does make the dramatic moments hit harder, even when a bit to on the nose with the themes of camaraderie.

Criterion Challenge 202538. European FilmKomeradschaft, directed by G.W. Pabst, 1932

Prior to this film, the only film I had seen from Pabst was Pandora’s Box, which I found to be an incredibly beautiful film employing techniques ahead of its time. Komeradschaft is not too different and just as heavy-handed with its messaging, presenting a rather optimistic view of human nature and our bonds with one another. The film was inspired by the Courrièrs mine disaster, where a mine fire trapped and killed several workers and rescue workers from Germany and France banded together in their efforts to save lives.

While not as experimental for its time period as Pandora’s Box was, Komeradschaft is still very striking to look at. As I noticed before, Pabst has this strong sense of lighting that really does make the dramatic moments hit harder, even when a bit to on the nose with the themes of camaraderie.

Some absolutely amazing effects and cinematography for the time and it had a great message, but unfortunately it is boring as fuck, thr storytelling is messy and confusing, and the acting just doesn't cut it. I'm honestly not sure if I am expected to know who is who because beyond a few names, there is zero characterization and everyone looks the same. The ending seems counter to the entire message of the film, so I'm not sure why it wouldn't have ended after the big speech.

Some absolutely amazing effects and cinematography for the time and it had a great message, but unfortunately it is boring as fuck, thr storytelling is messy and confusing, and the acting just doesn't cut it. I'm honestly not sure if I am expected to know who is who because beyond a few names, there is zero characterization and everyone looks the same. The ending seems counter to the entire message of the film, so I'm not sure why it wouldn't have ended after the big speech.

I’ve been mostly rewatching Fringe this month but decided at nights I gotta dig back into some real cinema. This was my first Pabst film (embarrassingly) and it is SO beyond its time. Extremely intense to the point where several instances made me feel like PTA got a bit of inspiration from this for There Will Be Blood. I love the tight aspect ratio the restoration is in. Onto more.

I’ve been mostly rewatching Fringe this month but decided at nights I gotta dig back into some real cinema. This was my first Pabst film (embarrassingly) and it is SO beyond its time. Extremely intense to the point where several instances made me feel like PTA got a bit of inspiration from this for There Will Be Blood. I love the tight aspect ratio the restoration is in. Onto more.