Hungary
Delta
Review by Cameron Maitland
Films are often praised for using a setting as a character in and of itself. Kornel Mundruczo’s Delta may follow a brother and sister in their struggles, but it is undeniably the titular stretch of the Danube that is the focus of the film.
The film follows the strange man Mihai, who returns to his hometown upon his father’s death to deal with his mother, her new violent husband and a half-sister he never knew about. The siblings make a choice to live together on a small island in the Delta and build their own house, which arouses much suspicion amongst their family and the locals.
Delta exists as a quiet, meandering meditation on the subjects of passion and family brought up by Mihai’s return and the jealousy and fear aroused in his sister’s new interest in him. Much of the action and progression of the story is implicit in the faces and small actions of the townsfolk as well as the siblings. That said there are a few shocking and disturbing scenes throughout, not to mention the ending, which make the filmmaker’s point clear.
The achievement of this film though is its ability to capture the lifestyle and surroundings of the Delta. The cinematography rivals Malick or any of the great, slow landscape masters in its contemplative wanderings. Even if the plot ever grows too slow or tiresome there is always something to look at and consider. Though the plot may telegraph itself slightly, its combination with the breathtaking scenery and camerawork makes this an unforgettable, moving film.
Delta
Kornel Mundruczo | Hungary | 2008 | 92min
Wed. Oct. 1 | 2:00pm | Empire Granville Theatre 4
Fri. Oct. 3 | 9:15pm | Empire Granville Theatre 4