Junun

Lazy, amateurish moviemaking. I can't believe Paul Thomas Anderson put his name on this. Anyone with the technology could make a better film than this. Very little effort went into this. I'm going to ask iTunes for my money back.

At last I have seen each of PTA’s feature films. Grated, his most recent is this stellar documentary, but the guy seems to do no wrong when it comes to making films. Junun is simple; place the camera down, press record, pan it, albeit sloppily: watch what happens. It’s a true documentary, as it simply documents what is occurring around the space they are filming in. Johnny Greenwood’s collaboration with an Israeli composer is the setting for this doc, and though the music isn’t my favorite, I never lost interest in what I was watching. PTA’s doc reassures me that there is no right or wrong way to film a doc. The camera work is messy, but it’s real. Auto-settings are used at times, and focus is adjusted blatantly here and there. Even the editing is “lacking”; sometimes long shots would just stay on screen, even while a camera was re-placed. I really enjoyed this, though. All in all, a fine documentary, and a lovely addition to PTA’s already stellar resume. 7 out of 10.

Such a uniquely immersive experience. The cinematography is excellent and deliberately understated, it’s not a home movie at all, capturing the nuances of expressions along with the music. I’m so glad I bought this because I will be revisiting this movie often, especially on long flights. I’ll be the passenger grinning from ear to ear.

In harmony with the mythos of India, the camera pans around the musicians like a diamond, illuminating the multifaceted cultural background of the ensemble. While doing so, the viewer receives glimpses into the fascinating idiosyncrasies of the players, until each fades back into the panorama of the entire unfolding. Residing in a temple embedded on the edge of the city, these musicians embody the mystique of an ancient musical tradition flourishing in the modern world. While viewing the musician’s devotion, contemplation, and love towards their spiritual and artistic medium, a sense of astonishment and inspiration is certain to accompany the viewer along the way.

Given that we’d been to India, even that particular part, and love music…we thought we’d like it. However, it’s basically a home movie with almost no explanation as to their history together, their process of making this music with these particular people…with exceptionally poor camera skills. We were quite disappointed!