Last & First Men Review - A Sci-Fi Epic

The directorial debut and final film of the late Icelandic composer Jóhann Jóhannsson, Last & First Men is a science fiction epic that will certainly challenge the most patient of movie-goers. Is it worth the trip? The Curtain Call finds out.
Music:
AK - Tides
Found on Uppbeat (uppbeat.io/track/ak/tides)
Prigidia - Epiphany
Found on Uppbeat (uppbeat.io/track/prigida/epip...)
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[@MarkArandjus]

I would totally love this film if the cinematography felt less like a slideshow of still images. I honestly don't think much is lost if you listen to this film instead of watching it because the images on screen don't really relate to what's being said most of the time.

[@bsharp3281]

Nice review! The whole production was a joy. I found myself appreciating the 16mm film image in particular. I'm not an anti-digital video advocate, but film is noticably prettier, and this humble b&w low res production is beautiful (scratches and all)!

[@aj5424]

It's absolutely blew my mind. I am marked for life!

[@thecurtaincall7693]

Respect that though. Certainly a film that's stayed with me.

[@calumfinlayson7382]

having watched it after reading the book i was totally hooked, and while its like a tenth of the real story its probably the best adaptation we'll get for such a bizarre story.

[@thecurtaincall7693]

Definitely interested in reading the original book.

[@calumfinlayson7382]

​@@thecurtaincall7693 its so different from the film its a really wild ride i highly recommend it, not too long either, some of it may be dated but its so original it still holds up

[@TBlack-qb1nb]

Thanks mate

[@robertbradshaw9367]

Really good critique. I didn't tire of the images and on the whole the narration, imagery and score worked for me. I was awe struck and devasted in equal measure. I've started reading the book which I heard recommended by astronomer royal Martin Rees. Cheers

[@thecurtaincall7693]

Thank you Robert. Totally understand. Its certainly a film I haven't forgotten about. Love to hear what you think of the book.

[@CanadaWaxSolvent]

You have to remember that this is a composition and performance accompanied by some images. Normally the way to experience this in a theater with musicians performing the music live, and you might get some effort in the projection department. Those long drawn out moments with a single image and no narration are there to give your thoughts a chance to think about what that narrator is telling you,

[@thecurtaincall7693]

Yeah I read later it was shown in front of a musical performance; however I still feel my rating is fair for its effectiveness as a visual arts piece. Definitely above average. Quite good in fact.

[@nigelcarren]

Very interesting. I haven't heard of this before. Speaking as a composer who is struggling with the accompanying video part of the process, this gives me an idea.💡 Perhaps this is why this video has been persistently appearing in my recommended? Best wishes to you from a French forest. 👍🇬🇧

[@thecurtaincall7693]

Thank you so much. I'm glad I made an impact on your creative process. 🙂 best wishes from the suburbs of Sydney, Australia.

[@cjbrown1979]

Thanks for your great review!

[@thecurtaincall7693]

You're welcome. Glad you liked it.

[@aj5424]

The Music is incredible. However, it is what it is. Generally, my generation is way less eager for instant gratification, so we can "wait" in-between segments.

[@thecurtaincall7693]

So can I usually. I love slow cinema but yeah this really pushed it for me.

[@aj5424]

@The Curtain Call I know what you mean. Have you ever seen the into credits for the film Signs (M Night Shyamalan..watched it last night. They ho on for waybtoo long.

[@thecurtaincall7693]

@@aj5424 i have seen Signs but i don't remember it fondly. It's a very typical Shyamalan affaiir.

[@siebensunden]

This is very interesting movie indeed. I'd put it into the same category as Under the Skin (2013) with Scarlett Johannson even though the approach of filming is different.

[@akane742]

Where can this film be viewed

[@thecurtaincall7693]

I viewed on a Australian broadcasting system called SBS. If you're overseas, best way would be either the BFI UK or some Apple TV services.

[@pseudonymousbeing987]

I watched it on prime video in the UK

[@paultapner2769]

It's also available to rent or buy on you tube

[@elysiumgallerytv2776]

Amazon prime

[@viarnay]

this is not a movie but an audiobook with images

[@buzzcrushtrendkill]

Interesting to hear your impression of the movie. I liked the visuals. Honestly didn't care for the music that much. And narration became annoyingly slow. I can appreciate the effort and nonmainstream approach. And about "Mandy", eh up to you if you think it qualifies a review. I was disappointed with it. "Beyond The Black Rainbow" is a favorite of mine so I was excited for anything in that vein.

[@thecurtaincall7693]

Thank you. I have Beyond The Black Rainbow on my watchlist.

[@angel_machariel]

How do you need a jumpcut after every single sentence?

[@thecurtaincall7693]

Hey. I was new to performing in front of the camera so there is a little unprofessionalism to these early vids. Sorry 😄