Sweet "Seraphine"

I remember when I encountered the film "Andrei Rublev" for the first time. How could I not? To say it was one of the most inspirational works of art I have ever experienced, would be a gross understatement. This was a life changing moment, not some one night stand with popcorn and a movie. To this very day, I find that words cannot adequately articulate what occurred within me upon viewing that film. But, I can assure you it was a great mystery full of wonder and beauty - one I have never forgotten.

It was enough of an impression that it became the single defining moment where I discovered I wanted to be a filmmaker. It was the moment I realized I wanted to spend the rest of my life trying to figure out how to do what AndreiTarkovsky (the director of "Rublev") did. There was something in this work of art beyond the hand of an individual artist. There was something beyond the here and now. There seemed to be an artist at work with God. And this is what struck me: how could this be - God and man creating art together? Well, at least that's what it appeared to be. And if that was the case, then that's what I wanted. I wanted to be an artist mixing it up with the Divine. I wanted to be an artist who was truly "after it". I too wanted to dive into the glorious waters of the beautiful Other. And I wanted to be willing to swim across the tumultuous seas, carried along by God, in spite of the possibility that many in this world might consider me mad. Like Tarkovksy's "Rublev", I wanted to be willing to spend years in silence so that at last I might catch even the slightest glimpse of the glory of the One.

Anyone who knows me, knows that "Andrei Rublev" is at the top of my film list. For many reasons, some of which I have pointed out here, my love for this film will forever remain undiminished. So it is, with all of this being said, and my ultimate reason for this writing - I am overjoyed to be able to give word that my dear "Rublev" has found himself a mate. Her name is "Seraphine". Yes, sweet "Seraphine" ( a new French film by filmmaker Martin Provost) has made me feel, again, the way I felt when I first set eyes on "Rublev". She has joined him in the cinema of beautiful holy matrimony. Its only my opinion, of course, but I do truly believe there have only been a handful of moments in cinematic history where it is as though the wind of the spirit blows across the screen, leaving something of the Divine for us all.

Listen closely, if you close your eyes, you just might hear the angels singing.

Scene from Andrei Rublev

Trailer for Seraphine