Mobile Actors

Mobile Actors<br>O Thiassos - 2004-06-29Director: Theo Angelopoulos, 1975, Color, 230 minutesThis modern and astonishing masterpiece uses a logical perspective from behind an emotionless lens to present a noteworthy narrative of contemporary Greek history through the adventures of a traveling theater group. The dictatorship of Metaxas, the Nazi regime, British occupation, and NATO's colonialism are all presented as a cursed cycle of repression-resistance-betrayal through the dignified movements of the camera of a meticulous artist committed to art. This nearly four-hour film tells the story of the actors or the traveling theater group who initially observe contemporary Greek history but gradually become involved in politics and enter the narrative, shifting the focus of the theater. The film's scenes, which mainly depict remote and rural areas with a wintry atmosphere, are a favored style of the director, gradually lengthen and proceed at a slow pace without haste. The entire film is encapsulated in 80 shots. Mobile Actors quickly became one of the most successful and popular films in Greek cinema immediately after its release. Watching this film is essential for those interested in contemporary Greek culture. I particularly warn that the final scenes of the film are among the most powerful and sensitive scenes remembered in the history of cinema.