In the City of Sylvia [Jose Luis Guerin, 2008]

• Guerin's latest has ended up on many critics' top ten lists this year, almost out of nowhere, and is clearly loved for its exercise in pure cinematic techniques, pushed to the limits
• the first 25 minutes have received the most buzz, as it features an incredibly long sequence in which the protag stares at different women outside a cafe. Guerin makes such a thing interesting by framing his POV shots in a way that clearly seems to be influenced by Edouard Manet cafe paintings. Guerin focuses on the layers of women (all beautiful, naturally), at times blocking the line of view with other people. if this kind of dedication to technique excites you, you'll likely enjoy this film. if not, run for the hills.
• as i mentioned, the first 25 minutes are what most critics are drooling about, but the greatest part of the film in my opinion comes in the later half of the film, specifically in scenes in and around a tram (to describe more would ruin the little plot that there is). Guerin here uses shadows and reflections to scape a ridiculously beautiful setting for the long awaited sequence of actual dialogue. it allows Sylvia to morph from a person to a symbol (or ghost?).
• In the City of Sylvia sounds comparable to the recently reviewed The Headless Woman in some ways (no background detail, following a single person throughout), but Guerin's is far from boring and only a tad bit frustrating in its remoteness.

7/a laudable technical achievement wrapped in a slight, whimsical search for someone from the past