Résumés(1)
With its glorious sunsets, diverse wildlife, and landscapes that change twice a day, the Wadden Sea has proven itself to be a photogenic place. Yet the largest tidal wetland in the world has never been depicted as breathtakingly as it is here. In Silence of the Tides, director Pieter-Rim de Kroon lets the images speak for themselves. As in Dutch Light, which won him a Golden Calf in 2003, he often leaves the camera in a fixed position for extended periods to capture stunning scenes of nature. Shots from different times of day merge into each other almost imperceptibly, so a dry seabed magically changes into a rippling expanse of water. Sophisticated sound design and the interplay of light complete the wonder. Military exercises, newborn lambs, mating oysters—all this life passes by without commentary. Over four seasons, the tides, people, and wildlife constantly come and go. A beautifully designed portrait of pulsating nature that invites viewers to find their own associations and meaning. (International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam)
(plus)Vidéo (1)
Critiques (1)
Rather than a traditional documentary, Silence of Tides is a kind of cinematic essay on the Wadden Sea, which the director brings to life in striking images. During the 100-minute running time (which could certainly have been shortened a bit), the screen is filled with many scenes that could be summed up as "Life on the Wadden Sea from A to Z and back again". We witness birth and death; traditional, working and military life; we observe natural beauty and human activity. Two distinctive motifs run through the film, almost like a red thread. The first is the postman who uses various means of transport in this remote (and not yet so corrupt) region. The second is the church organist, which forms the most prominent musical component of the film. Silence of Tides certainly lives up to its title - instead of listening to the commentary of a guide, you are carried along on the waves by natural sounds, witnessing many captivating images.
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Photos (8)
Photo © Real Fiction Filmverleih
