Story of My Death (Història de la meva mort) [DVD]

The resolute few who make it as far as the moment where our hero is seen straining on a commode will find an appropriate metaphor for their labours, Story of my Death is an interminable sitting for little of value.From the outset our director shows a cool indifference to audience expectations, we at first linger over a dimly lit group of diners chewing and muttering inaudibly which sets the tone and pace for the following two and a half hours. Connoisseurs of the brooding silence will no doubt be appeased as we find here an extraordinary amount of screen time without meaningful sound, the effect is intriguing to begin with but once the gratuitous nature of these interludes is apparent we turn to frustration.It's long established in theatrical lore, the simplest way to animate a scene is to occupy hands with a prop or food item, so it comes as no surprise to find our cast relentlessly eating over dialogue. Throughout the film we are made to wait for lines, if not due to speech between mouthfuls then it's the exasperating torpor of our principle actor who seems to believe he's doing us a great service to participate in the least.For those seeking the dubious satisfaction of watching the most excruciating, pompous episode in modern cinema there are only rare moments of outright hilarity to be savoured, our actor playing Dràcula lets forth the occasional primal scream which offers reward to some degree. However, the genuine light relief comes when music is heard, several period classics and some striking original compositions are added to great effect, though these invigorating moments are rationed to few and far between.To suggest the film is in need of cuts to it's grandiose two and a half hour reel is perhaps an understatement, the task would surely test the patience of Zorro himself -and once the grand silences are discounted we may yet find precious little is left.

Genuinely enjoyed this film. Has a curious and unique feel to it. Would not recommend it if you are looking for entertainment though. More of an arthouse film.

the cover for this caught my attention, it's beautiful, I can't say the same about the movie, excruciatingly dull, I managed to get through an hour, having stopped it twice, the scene with the old man defecating proves nothing, and not a single sympathetic character ...... I'm off to pour a jug of wine over a goose carcass .... darling.

excellent