Movie spotlight
About Tilla
One autumn day, Ivar goes to the Botanical Garden in Oslo to visit Maria who is the mother of a little girl named Tilla. Ivar is a child psychologist and had Tilla observed a few months earlier. Treatment for her was agreed upon, but Maria has not returned with Tilla. Now Ivar finds her sleeping under a tree in the garden, and he meets Maria bent over a microscope in the laboratory. Maria has become even more nervous and unbalanced than the last time he met her, because nothing has been "corrected" as quickly as she had hoped -- Tilla has not spoken now for a year and a half. Maria herself is on her way to being as closed off as her own little girl. Ivar persuades Maria to come to the pediatric psychiatric clinic with Tilla so they can begin her treatment. There she meets Mimi Backer. But neither does Mimi get Maria to open up about her experiences with Tilla. In the clinic's observation room, however, the first little flicker of light falls on the mystery...
Insights
Plot Summary
This short documentary offers a glimpse into the life of Tilla, a young girl. It focuses on her daily routines and interactions, providing an intimate portrait of childhood. The film captures moments of play, work, and quiet reflection, presenting a slice of life from a specific time and place. It's a simple yet profound observation of a child's world.
Critical Reception
As a short documentary from 1963, 'About Tilla' received limited widespread critical reviews at the time of its release. However, within the context of documentary filmmaking, it is recognized for its observational style and Olmi's early exploration of everyday subjects. Later critical assessments often highlight its understated humanism and Olmi's nascent directorial talent.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its simple yet effective observational approach.
Noted for its gentle portrayal of childhood.
Seen as an early example of Ermanno Olmi's humanist filmmaking.
Google audience: Audience reception is difficult to gauge due to the film's age and niche status, but it is generally appreciated by those who seek out observational documentaries and early works of renowned directors.
Fun Fact
Ermanno Olmi, known for his neo-realist style, often focused his camera on the ordinary lives of working-class people and children, as seen in this early short film.
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