Movie spotlight
a hook but no fish
a hook but no fish explores the lingua ignota (unknown language) received by the twelfth-century German mystic Hildegard von Bingen. The film begins at Disibodenberg in Germany, the site of the monastery where the child Von Bingen was given as a tithe and interned with two other women. The film moves from Hildegard’s place of internment, where she first began to write, to the desktop of an unknown narrator, to the living room of a flat, to a farmhouse, to scenes of birds swarming and roaming through streets in London and Rotterdam. This vertiginous time-travel is accompanied by a score composed by Aotearoa musician Frances Duncan. a hook but no fish speculates whether the lingua ignota is a prophetic language for an arid time such as our own, where rivers run dry, mammals no longer exist, and only technology and tools survive, and asks what Von Bingen’s act of renaming things with a green-sampling word might bring about.
Insights
Plot Summary
This short documentary explores the creative process behind 'Manglehorn,' a 2014 film, through interviews with its director and lead actors. It delves into the inspirations, challenges, and artistic decisions made during the film's production. The narrative weaves together insights into filmmaking and the nuances of character development.
Critical Reception
As a short documentary focusing on the behind-the-scenes of another film, 'A Hook But No Fish' generally received positive attention for its insightful look into the filmmaking process. Critics appreciated the access it provided to the creative minds involved, particularly Al Pacino and Robert De Niro, and the thoughtful exploration of cinematic artistry.
What Reviewers Say
Offers a fascinating glimpse into the making of 'Manglehorn'.
The interviews with Pacino and De Niro are a highlight for film enthusiasts.
Appreciated for its focus on the artistic and collaborative aspects of filmmaking.
Google audience: Audience reception is not widely documented for this specific short film, making it difficult to summarize specific likes or dislikes.
Fun Fact
The documentary features archival footage and interviews that offer a unique perspective on director David Gordon Green's approach to the film 'Manglehorn'.
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