(Connie
Jackson as Alina; Damon Shalit as Frikkie and Chella Ferrow as Sussie)
African
Gothic is a film based on Reza de Wet's stage play Diepe Grond written by Reza de Wet and directed
by Gabriel Bologna, starring Damon Shalit and Chella Ferrow.
African
Gothic is a gritty, poignant drama set in a
decaying farmhouse in the desolate heart of the parched Free State, South
Africa. On the surface it depicts the dangerous and passionate relationship
between two deeply troubled lovers Frikkie and Sussie, their benign domestic
worker and a hapless lawyer who pays them a visit.
Yet, dig deeper (pun intended) and one
exposes a haunting, visceral cinematic masterpiece!
This film is bold, spine-chilling and an
in-your-face experience - definitely not for the faint hearted! - a classic
example of a Peter Brook 'Immediate Theatre' concept. For the audience there
just is no escape; every visual and auditory detail drawing you deeper and
deeper into the horrific, dismal reality of Frikkie and Sussie's bizarre lives.
A very strong poetic flavour also dominates
throughout the movie, bombarding you with imagery and symbolism that is quite
merciless. It would be quite futile trying to 'classify' this film with regard
to a specific genre~ realism, magical realism, surrealism, absurdism ... you
name it, it is there, in some form or another!
The stark, naked reality of this spine
chilling project cannot be commended highly enough. The directing was
faultless, the high risk, no compromise acting superb and the editing and sound
quite sublime.
I can only give this brilliant movie 5
stars! It is completely satisfying, and feeds the creative soul on levels that
one cannot even begin to comprehend.
"One day (in SA) the waters WILL come,
And it will wash everything away". May that day come soon -in the
meantime, let's keep digging! Bravo! – John Harley
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