If you love films, film-making, Italy, Sardinia, or are a student of film, whether DP, editor, or director, you must see this film. There are many pearls here; one comes away from this experience with a new-found appreciation for what one man can accomplish with a single camera; making "his" movie his way. De Seta does it all-- WriterDirector, DP,
"Bandits of Orgosolo"exhibits one of the finest uses of natural lighting, actual moon light (sole source), captured on film-- as well as excellent use of local talent on location in Sardinia (non-actors).
The dubbing is the only fault of the picture; however, all of the other elements such as camera work, lighting, sound, editing, content, and story are genuinely engaging, but more than that-- leave you with a most sensual experience-- you almost smell the goats, and the shepherds!
I had the pleasure of meeting Vittorio De Seta, and his entourage of young filmmakers from Italy, in 2004 at the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival where he was awarded a Distinguished Career award, and featured as a Special Guest, with introduction and interview by Martin Scorsese. The theatre was packed, not a sound could be heard during the screening of this riveting motion picture, and the Q&A following.
The Bandits of Orgosolo holds up well, a truly artistic film that captures a way of life, long gone. Its surreal and timeless quality makes this simple story even more engaging. This is one of the finest Black & White films you will ever see. Stunning cinematic details, with a magical all its own.
See it! Like the out of print book, "Notes on Cinematography" by Robert Bresson, no student of film should miss this.It's THAT GOOD.
