Last year, during the early days of the first lockdown, filmmaker Alice Rohrwacher decided to use up some expired film, the results of which she ended up making into a sensitive, short study of local inhabitants living around the intersection of four wooded paths.
Although self-referential and, to some extent, publicised as a film connected with the global pandemic, made under severe restrictions during this time, there is minimal reference to COVID-19 itself, or indeed of how these limitations have affected other filmmakers and artists alike. There is no agenda at work here, no hint of rebellion against nor resentment of the extreme situation. Further comment on these issues could possibly have provided a bit more perspective and helped establish the secluded idyll in a wider context. However, it does not feel lacking in any way. In fact, considering these choices in hindsight, it might actually have diminished the film’s original, unplanned and somewhat freewheeling conception.
Aside from a brief voice-over explanation at the beginning, Rohrwacher plainly accepts the practical and technical obstacles, and instead immediately turns the attention towards her small community, rather than fixating on the worldwide situation. By doing so allows her to explore qualities of social interaction through a gaze that might perhaps not be as widely used. Often zooming into extreme close-up we are brought closer into their lives, both literally and figuratively, which is a strange way gives us a deeper level of personal engagement.
The footage itself, shot on a 16mm movie camera, highlights the natural beauty of rural Tuscany. The rich, warm colours of the landscape are picturesque, and although the film is more about the people who inhabit it, the visual ambience helps evoke a sense of kinship, mixed with a dreamy air of nostalgia. Similarly, the soundtrack adds to its tranquil tone, a series of crystalline and lush orchestral waltzes playing airily over Rohrwacher’s pensive, unhurried voice-over.
Four Roads is a refreshing, gently meditative and personal observation of lives within a small community. A paradoxically intimate study of human interaction in a small corner of the world within a population suspended in isolation. There is an added strength that lies in the fact that this film could have been made at any time, despite its current overhanging poignance. A heart-warming gem that will lift the soul.
An observational, impressionist diary of a small community.
Movie title: Four Roads (Quattro Strade)
Movie description: Last year, during the early days of the first lockdown, filmmaker Alice Rohrwacher decided to use up some expired film, the results of which she ended up making into a sensitive, short study of local inhabitants living around the intersection of four wooded paths.
Date published: May 14, 2021
Country: Italy
Duration: 8 mins
Director(s): Alice Rohrwacher
Genre: Documentary , Short
Summary
A paradoxically intimate study of human interaction in a small corner of the world within a population suspended in isolation.
Thomas is a musician, writer and film enthusiast with a broad taste in films, from Big Night to The Big Combo. When he isn’t immersed in these activities his passions extend to the kitchen and food.
