This week is feminist theory week in my film class, and, never the feminist, I was a little leery of what we might end up seeing. Something to divide the audience, appeal only to the certain female? While the two males I was sitting with didn't exactly enjoy the experience, I loved it.
The Piano isn't exactly what you'd expect if you wanted a radical feminist text. For one, it's a little too mainstream. But it is feminist. The protagonist is a strong female, the shots are from her point of view, the viewpoint exceedingly subjective and interior. The men are more helpless than films generally allow them to be. But it wasn't those aspects that entranced me.
In the crudest sense, it's just a good story. There are so many lovingly crafted details, so many perfect shots, perfect lines of dialogue, so many wonderful actors. It's an experience to spend with your eyes peeking through your fingers, with your hand over your mouth, leaning forward in your seat. It's very difficult not to get caught up, and I didn't avoid that.
As an complete aside, I think I'm a little bit in love with Harvey Keitel.
4.5/5
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