Le Quatro Volte

Le Quatro Volte.

Visually this film is superb. That is enough to make your visit worthwhile. It is a very quiet film. A baby goat’s bleating is the loudest sound you will hear. The cinematography is fantastic. Each frame was a picture perfect scene. I do confess that I would never have understood the meaning if I had not read about it. Personally I don’t think it matters. Apparently the title is taken from a mathematician who theorized that all humans have four lives that fit within each other; man, animal, mineral and vegetable. After reading that I still didn’t get it in the film. I was content to watch the screen and admire the beauty.

An old shepherd cares for his goats in Calabria. It is a small village. The few houses are on steep narrow streets. It is all so quaint and charming. Nobody ever seems to walk on the street. Every day he heads out with his goats to pasture. His faithful dog follows behind. In the evening the goats return. The poor shepherd seems to live in one room sparsely furnished. What a simple life.

One day there is finally some excitement when a very small band marches down the street. The players are dressed in Roman clothing and the town’s people follow behind.

I couldn’t believe I would be so fascinated with goats. I found it all so interesting. The birth of a baby goat was mesmerizing. The mother cleans the baby and watches over her. The baby struggles to get up on its week legs.

There was some humor with the faithful dog. The dog seemed to dislike one lady in town. Every time she walked in the street the dog would go up to her and bark and prevent her from passing by.

The view of the mountainous countryside was spectacular. The most picturesque scene was watching the funeral procession winding its way down a narrow street. The old shepherd had died. Four men carry the coffin and walk (what seems to be a lengthy distance) up and down the narrow winding road.

Another shot shows the goats crossing a high bridge. The camera takes a long shot and it makes for a most picturesque sight.

I found the film to be restful. It was beautifully put together. All in all a great treat.