Reshaping Reality With Poetry

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MOVIE REVIEW
Reshaping Reality with Poetry

Genre: Documentary, Drama
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 25m
Director(s): Richard Kroehling
Cast: Melissa Leo, Géza Röhrig, Bo Corre
Where To Watch: opens November 1, 2024, in New York City and November 8 in Los Angeles; learn more here: www.after.film and view the trailer here: www.youtube.com

RAVING REVIEW: So there aren’t many times that I don’t rate a film, and when I don’t, there’s usually a good reason. In this instance, the film’s purpose is beyond my reach. I love poetry, but I don’t know how to judge it fairly, and most of this experience is spoken word poetry. AFTER: POETRY DESTROYS SILENCE challenges the boundaries of traditional documentary filmmaking, fusing poetry with cinematic elements to explore the scars left by the Holocaust. Under Richard Kroehling’s direction, this ambitious project mixes reflective narratives with the hard-hitting realities of history. The cast, led by Melissa Leo, Géza Röhrig, and Bo Corre, delivers each line of poetry with a raw intensity that captures the immense spectrum of human emotions tied to historical traumas.

AFTER does more than revisit the horrors of the past; it invites the audience on a journey of healing. Each poem is transformed into a standalone piece with characters and story arcs. This structure enriches the film’s depth and connects historical episodes to the universal struggles of anguish and survival. The spotlight isn’t just on the events but on the poets’ responses, portraying resilience as an essential process for rebirth from the remnants of despair.

This film positions itself as a modern-day parable, emphasizing the role of artistic expression in confronting and processing the depths of human agony. AFTER doesn’t just showcase renowned poets; it dives deep into their backgrounds and philosophies, bringing fresh perspectives and rich dialogue to the forefront. The film weaves together voices like Alicia Suskin Ostriker and Cornelius Eady, enriching its narrative with discussions on memory, accountability in art, and the dual nature of language as both a bridge and a barrier.

Kroehling’s project balances intimate personal anecdotes with broad existential queries: How do we handle collective trauma? Can we extract meaning from unspeakable past horrors? What measures can we take to prevent history’s grimmest chapters from recurring? Though the director doesn’t claim to hold all the answers, he uses poetry to pose these questions, inviting the audience to ponder and perhaps find their interpretations.

The film’s score, composed by Michael Galasso and enhanced by contributions from Laura Nathanson and Rachel Evans, delicately complements the narrative. The music intertwines with the poetry, amplifying the emotional weight of the words without overwhelming them. This nuanced interplay of sound and silence echoes the film’s themes of remembrance and expression.

As the voices of Holocaust survivors gradually fade into history, the significance of AFTER will surely grow, serving both as a tribute and a crucial guide for future generations. In an era marked by persistent global conflicts and deep divides, the lessons from this film are more relevant than ever, offering insights into the Holocaust’s enduring impact on the world.

AFTER is a profound exploration of the transformative power of art and its ability to reflect and alter our perceptions of reality. This film is essential viewing for anyone looking to engage with themes of historical consciousness, artistic expression, and the human capacity for resilience and renewal. It’s not merely about watching a film; it’s about embarking on a reflective journey to understand our past and inspire a more hopeful future.

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[photo courtesy of LUMEN PRODUCTIONS]

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