Silent Sonata, film review

(15) Janez Burger, 75 mins Starring: Leon Lucev, Luna Zimic Mijovic, Devi Bragalini

This Slovenian magic-realist drama eschews dialogue altogether. The director Janez Burger is aiming for a filmic effect equivalent to that created by Chagall’s paintings.

There is some beautiful imagery along the way but the conceit seems forced. You can never quite understand why the characters don’t talk when they have the chance. The setting is a war-torn Balkan country. A farmer’s wife has just been killed when a travelling circus turns up in his backyard. At a time of suffering and violence, the interaction between the farmer’s family and the circus performers creates an opportunity for renewal and reconciliation.