Review of Aki Kaurismaki Collection: Vol. 1

Introduction

About a month ago, I watched and reviewed Aki Kaurismäki`s `Lights in the Dusk` and said that it made me interested in his other work. Now Artificial Eye have released six of Kaurismäki`s earlier films in two volumes so I was given a chance to see other films by the Finnish auteur. Volume 1 contains `Shadows in Paradise`, `Ariel` and `The Match Factory Girl` from 1986, 1987 and 1989 respectively. Known as the `Underdog Trilogy`, these films all focus on a single character and their struggles in an uncaring society that does them no favours.

In each film, Kaurismäki looks at the ennui of the working class as they`re either are unhappy at work (`Shadows in Paradise`, `The Match Factory Girl`) or unemployed (`Ariel`) and are lonely and looking for love or companionship. Each principal character is unexpressive and closed mouthed yet evokes the sympathy of the viewer as you see that this is not a time to be outgoing and gregarious and their plight is not of their making.

Each film is well outlined above and there is little I can say in terms of embellishment without spoiling the films.

Video

All three films are presented in anamorphic 1.78:1 and the transfers are very good. There is some slight graining and other artifacts, but nothing too serious.

Aki Kaurismäki seems to revel in making his films look as grim and bleak as possible and these three are stylistically similar, with Soviet-style industrial landscapes and clothing, with Finland looking like a country to the east of the Iron Curtain.

Audio

Each film has a clear DD Finnish Stereo soundtrack with high-quality optional English subtitles.

Features

Surprisingly none.

Conclusion

Aki Kaurismäki is seemingly a regular at European film festivals and award ceremonies - his films are obviously an acquired taste and are better critically received in Scandinavia and Continental Europe than anywhere else. The `Loner Trilogy` isn`t exactly a laugh a minute, despite the humour that Kaurismäki injects into the depressive scenarios. These are not the sort of films that will find homes on the shelves of the casual DVD buyer, which is a shame as they are beautifully acted, well scripted, thoroughly involving and fine examples of minimalist, humanist cinema.

Recommended to those who are interested in trying something new.