In Louis Malle's apocalyptic fantasy Black Moon, Lily (Cathryn Harrison, granddaughter of Rex) drives down a lonesome road, and soon finds herself in a alternate world full of non sequiturs and bizarre characters. At times, this looks like a David Lynch film, what with an old woman conversing with a rat, a pack of naked children chasing a pig, a talking unicorn, a strange set of possibly incestuous siblings (one of whom is "underground" film star Joe Dallesandro), and several other warped set
pieces. Malle reportedly culled inspiration for the narrative of this film from his own dreams. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
its outlandish and nonsensical detours begin to feel less like the "automatic writing" of the surrealists and more like a series of meandering, meaningless head games, each melting into the next with no lasting impact.
Naturally such a radical and opaque film, like none ever done before or since, was a commercial flop because the general public didn't know what to make of it.
a very basic package, offering as its only extra a five-minute interview with Louis Malle's brother Vincent, who struggles (hilariously) to categorise the film.
Black Moon is the theatrical realization of an apocalyptic dream conceived by Louis Malle featuring the most bizarre: a war, a senile woman, a bevy of naked children, and a unicorn. A surreal escape. Eccentric.
A head trip movie about the women's movement of the '70's?? Well, if that sort of thing interests you; then this convoluted tale of a young woman gaining a sense of security and pride in being a woman in the harsh world of the '70's will not disappoint. It has an enormous amount of depth, incorporating fantastical
imagery meant to communicate the repressment of women at the time; is very well acted and directed; and is gorgeous to look at. (The cute lead certainly doesn't hurt that!) The film is a bit bizarre, but that only allows the film to communicate the confusion felt by the main character, and it eventually helps the movie build tension until the battle of the sexes reaches its boiling point. The film isn't for everybody, but if you're one to peruse through the Criterion Collection, or attend screenings at your local indie theatre, then there's no reason not to enjoy this movie. (Unless you're sexist!!) Hell, the film might even inspire you to research the movement that inspired this movie!
When all is said and done, I actually really enjoy this film. I've re-watched it twice, and I still find it to be a sincere and relevant social commentary. This one gets a 95% from me!
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