Return of the Poet

In his latest film, Khachatryan again remains faithful to his subject: the fate of his people and his country. What is new is that he focuses on one specific person, the 19th-century poet Ashugh Jivani. It also looks as if this is accompanied by an optimistic breeze, in comparison with his previous film, Documentarist, which he made under very difficult circumstances. Jivani is given a new life in Khachatryan's film. First through the sculptor who step by step creates his image. Later by the director, who has the sculpture roam around the country. Even though he is made of stone, the poet is an excellent guide through his beautiful country. It's as if we see his country through his eyes and through his poems. The pride of the nation acquires shape in the attitude of the sculpture. From his elevated position on a large truck, Jivani shows us the singing, dancing, eating people, as well as still-lives of beautiful countryside. As in all Khachatryan's films, voices, sound and music play a major role. Without having to understand everything exactly, we get to know the people by listening to their conversations and to their music. It makes a direct appeal to our feelings and the choice of poet is no coincidence. Just as Jivani was the national folk poet, Khachatryan is the painter and poet who uses film to allow us to share the beauty and mystery of his country now. (LC)