I’ve set a record. Two consecutive films watched and reviewed, each with the exact same title.
I learned that Gus Van Sant’s 2003 school shooter picture “Elephant” was influenced by a 38-minute short by English filmmaker Alan Clarke. I was able to easily find the latter on YouTube.
Produced by BBC Northern Ireland, Clarke’s “Elephant” dropped January 25th, 1989. The piece is brutal, depicting nothing more than a series of assassinations across Northern Ireland during The Troubles. Partly based on actual events, Clarke uses his artistic pulpit to showcase the issues present at the time.
Minimalist Style
“Elephant” is unlike any film you have ever watched. It’s borderline horror as we follow an assassin casually approaching a target. A gun is drawn; the murder is fast; no motive is offered.
The camera lingers on the bloody dead body; a tactic Clarke uses on all the victims. Then we repeat the process with a different killer and a new victim.
Alan Clarke is masterful at directing this picture. We get no dialogue. The only sounds save for the gunfire, are the rhythmic footsteps of the assassins calmly closing in on their prey. The 16mm film is grainy, and Clarke uses tracking shots and steadicam to provide for an observational feel.
Belfast
“Elephant” was shot on location in Belfast, and you know I love that. The tawdry look of late ’80s urban decay is flush with beauty. The city feels cold and anything but friendly.
We know nothing about the killers or the targets and can only surmise motives or reasons.
“Elephant” is unique for its structure and plotless narrative. 18 murders in 38 minutes, executed seamlessly by Alan Clarke, make it a must watch for cinephiles.
