(9 of 11) Discussion on NEWS FROM HOME (Chantal Akerman Masterpieces)

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1:58 Discussion on the film
37:10 Comments on the presentation and other points
1976, directed by Chantal Akerman
For more information about the film, please see:
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For more information about the set, please see:
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[@Sude1089]

Daisuke, my friend. I'm back to continue sharing where I'm at in my Chantal Akerman journey. I watched this work "News From Home" last night, slept on it, and then I woke up to watch "Rendez-Vous D'Anna" just a moment ago. I have not yet read the (robust, stapled) booklet with the essays yet and I haven't watched any supplemental features on any of the discs besides the introduction that is available prior to "Saute Ma Ville", that being incredibly helpful, along with your video discussions, in guiding me and my thoughts along with my Chantal Akerman journey. I will endeavor to read those prior to watching your final video. If I wasn't already "mind-blown" prior to reaching "Letters From Home" then my mind is totally blown now... Watching this reminded me a lot of being away from home while I was in the army and hearing from loved ones, so it was incredibly tough, but wholly rewarding to take in what Chantal Akerman was doing with this work here. I have visited New York City one time in my life and of course seen many films that take place there that add to the "myth" or legend of New York. It is incredible to think about all the lives there from multiple cultures. The level of intimacy present in this work that incorporates what I assumed was Chantal Akerman's mother's REAL letters to her while she was away... It's astounding. Add into this the "corridors" or movement of trains akin to the elevators we have seen in prior works or perhaps a boat going away in conjunction with the masterful ambient noise of the city or people.... Wow.... Again, the sensation of not being ready or not being intelligent or worthy enough to experience these works pops up for me again. At the time of this comment, I have all of this week off from work and I'm not even sure using this free-time to watch things like this is healthy for me, but then again it is because this level of challenge is what I and my heart supposedly crave after all... This work again works so well when you've watched the other features included in this epic Criterion set. If one had not seen "Hotel Monterey", for instance, this work might not work as well but even just seeing footage of 1970's New York makes it something special. This film does quite a bit to portray a part of life that is quite real on a deep level.. Again, I could type at my computer for a long time and try to highlight pieces to this masterpiece to convey to you or anyone reading this just what it is that I find special about this, but I would fall completely short of doing justice to this. I will only close by saying that it is apparent to me that Chantal Akerman had a very special way of processing things including her relationship with her mother, family and her surroundings and it's in a way that I can identify with completely... Thank you for this discussion, my friend. You are the BEST that film discussion has to offer.

[@intogrey2038]

This is one I watch a long time ago and remember just loving the shots of the city and the wonderful letters sent.

[@Jared_Wignall]

Sounds like a very interesting film. Thank you for talking about this Daisuke, I hope you’re doing well. Have a great day and a great weekend. Take care!

[@DaisukeBeppu]

And thank you so much for this as well!!