Had a thought that there are certain films that, while they may not necessarily be masterpieces, have certain sections that could in effect exist on their own and be all the better for it; though some foreknowledge and indeed emotional investment may be required for their power it doesn't seem that necessary to me. These sections have an incredible, awe-inspiring quality that simply shines with genius.
After the New Year's to the end, Until the End of the World: this is the one that inspired this post and the best illustration of this ideal; the film takes an entirely unexpected turn that delves deep into the notions of memory, dreams, obsession, technology, and helplessness with all the power and ingenuity of Chris Marker. This would be a runner-up for my Sight and Sound ballot.
Desert flashback, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: one of the greatest sustained sequences ever; perfectly self-contained with a strange Western vibe to boot; beautiful.
Pronoun Trouble, "Rabbit Seasoning": quite frivolous, but this might be the funniest two minutes committed to film for me, a continual and always hilarious escalation of jokes; that the opening and closing are only slightly less genius makes me just a little bit sad.
Second half, When Marnie Was There: granted this is pending a rewatch, and part of its power is how it recontextualizes the first part, but regardless it contains all of the heartbreak, and though the conclusion may be inevitable, that doesn't make the realization any less impactful.
Episode Eight, Out 1: the entire film might be the greatest film ever made, but the final episode is the most inventive and the most inexplicable; have a brief, 15 minute mostly explicable recap, colorize the final scene from Episode Seven, and you have yourself a masterwork unto itself.
First half, La Notte: probably influenced by D'Angelo and desperately pending a rewatch but this portion is the clearest portrayal of Antonioni's genius to me.
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