Review by Kiefer Doerksen.

Mid-Afternoon Barks by director Zhang Yuedong is either a rapturous or alienating film depending on how you like your cinema served up. There are three stories: a shepherd abandons his flock to travel to a nearby village; a repairman cannot find work; and a farmer sells watermelons. None are connected by narrative and all feature little in the way of drama. Dialogue is sparse; each character goes about his daily life until it comes time for all of them, together, to plant a large wooden pole in the ground. The contemplative nature of the film is both an asset and a curse.

The director uses a DV camera that creates a feeling of hyper-reality. Some of the images are beautifully shot, including the opening scene where three men try to erect a pole in the snow. However, the shots are mainly static and do little to quicken the pace of the film. You learn just about as much about the characters in the film as you would passing by them in the street. In a short Q&A after the screening, the director was asked about the significance of the film’s title. He replied that it was suggested by a filmmaking friend who noticed the barking in the soundtrack. The “mid-afternoon” portion came from the time the crew usually woke up each day. He did not discuss the themes of the film and said there was really no story. What is the significance of the raising of the wooden poles? Do any of the characters go through any real change? The film’s meditative tone could simply be matched by taking a walk outside.

Mid-Afternoon Barks
Zhang Yuedong | China | 2007 | 77min

Tue. Oct. 2 | 7:00pm | VanCity Theatre
Wed. Oct. 3 | 1:15pm | VanCity Theatre