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First, the Recap:
Solace in a storm. Can this be attained? We’re not speaking of a literal, natural storm, but rather that which lies within us at any random moment. The seeking to quiet it would usually be associated with absconding to the most soundless environment possible. There, we can allow the empty, noiseless space to guide our mind into a state of rest. However, what if we have no means to find that Zen garden locale, that spot of stillness, but rather are surrounded by nothing but the opposite? Is there still solace to be found and answers to everything that our mind might inquire about? It would seem, perhaps, the answer is–yes.
Next, my Mind:
We experience the chaotic realms, the crowds, the cacophony that is the big city but from a uniquely stirring moving, surprisingly meditative perspective thanks to this six minute twenty-five second documentary short film from director Josh Weissbach that screened during the 2020 Berlin Revolution Film Festival, coming away with the “Best Documentary” award for its efforts and deservedly so. In this literal time of uncertainty and even consistently unsettled states of thinking thanks to COVID-19, this is an exploration of real life that this critic felt is undeniably necessary and, I hope, speaks some ease into viewer’s souls.
We get to see illustrated the concept of being completely caught up in your own reminiscing and contemplation, which is usually shown in the context of doing so in a serene place, quiet, and calm. Here though, that is replaced with the constant din of a subway, the people surrounding you, and the sights that speed by, taking it all in while yet striving to be swept away in your own space, to the extent of being oblivious to the human melee and those things which the eyes have seen a thousand times over. It is the ability to discover that even in the midst of a tempest such as this, there can be a strange comfort and escape, lost in reverie.
Perhaps it’s a statement about familiarity, all those elements of our daily existence that we now take for granted, even utterly ignore on certain levels, so that when we need to find that means to internally circumnavigate it to have peace, we’re actually able to do so with results that would seem odd to someone who sees more distraction and interruption of thoughts than refuge. If anything, I felt this film can offer quite the challenge to us all to take a look at ourselves and the facets of all that which causes us inwardly to be upended and then realize there is a collected tranquility to be had IF we’re willing to just tune out the “clutter” about us and relax.
The film’s imagery certainly speaks to this, in fact this really is a dedication to anyone and everyone who finds themselves in this state of reality when trying to encounter a more settled mind. The city and subway’s discord and racket give way to pictures both clear and blurred, with nighttime being a prime setting as well, to deftly showcase the film’s intent. Plus, it’s what I love about documentary films as it’s REAL, it’s REAL life, and that is always something we can find a way to relate to on some foundational point. Having been to places such as NYC or L.A., this story resonates without question, as you recall seeing people so evidently tucked away in their own headspace despite the craziness around them. It’s actually quite enviable to know such privacy can be achieved, and it’s something to aim to procure.
So, in total, with its beautiful, cinematic, lyrical images and poignant observations about the moments and circumstances we can find ourselves in, “To All Those” succeeds in speaking as an ode to the times that we will recognize we’re in such a state of being, and now might bring to memory this film and be able to rendezvous with a similar, unexpected equanimity.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
