In the time of Counter-Reformation, a miller and his son come under investigation by a priest of the Inquisition, when rumors spread that their prosperity comes from working with the Devil.
The Devil's Trap is a film directed by František Vlá?il, based on a novel by Alfréd Technik, adapted by František A. Dvorák and Miloš Kratochvíl. It was the first of three historical dramas that Vlá?il made during the Czech New Wave (technically he isn't really a part of the New Wave, however these films were made during the same era of artistic freedom), preceding his more well known Marketa Lazarová (1967) and Valley of the Bees (1968).
Set in the late 16th Century during the Catholic Reformation, in the Moravian Karst, situated in what is now the Eastern Czech Republic, it tells the tale of a miller (Vítezslav Vejrazka), and his son Jan (Vít Olmer), who come under suspicion and are investigated by a Jesuit priest of the Inquisition (Miroslav Macháchek), when rumors of witchcraft are spread by the local regent (Cestmír Randa), who is jealous of the miller's prosperity and degree of respect among the local populace.
As expected from Vlá?il, this film is a stunning experience all the way through. From the opening shot, an ominous manipulation of perspective with a close up of a mangled figure of Christ dominating the foreground against a tiny figure in black walking along the horizon, to the breathtaking confrontational finale inside the vast stalactite filled Karst caverns, it is a wonderful display of visual mastery.
Maybe not quite as impressive as Marketa Lazarová, but still full of astonishing imagery. As seen from unique angles and distinct points of view which highlight the director's remarkable sense of awareness of framing, motion, and positioning on the emotional and dramatic tone of the scene. The most memorable being a repeated shot where the camera is suspended and launched with speed through the air towards the miller's door.
The story here is a simple one and I would say more accessible than his later works. With a conventional structure emphasized as much by its plot and characters, than by its expressionistic cinematography or authentic historical detail. The events play out without much surprise, and there is a strong underlying, almost supernatural, mysterious aspect that is left unresolved, in fact barely explored, which is slightly disappointing, but only because it's so fascinating that I wish there was more.
Acting is great all around. Particularly the villains: Miroslav Macháchek as the priest, casting a sinister and imposing shadow wherever he goes, and Cestmír Randa as the weasel like regent behind all the persecution. While Vít Olmer brings a charismatic leading man presence in his role as the miller's son Jan, in love with the lovely orphan girl Martina (Karla Chadimová), who becomes a dangerous object of rivalry between Jan and other young men of the village.
The film also features the evocative music of Zden?k Liška (perhaps the most prolific composer of the Czech New Wave). In this his second of eleven collaborations with Vlá?il, his compositions are used sparingly, but to great effect, complimenting but never overpowering a scene. The best example of which can be heard in an amazingly shot celebration and dance sequence at the end of the second act.
The Devil's Trap might not be a masterpiece, but it is still a strong effort, with a fascinating straightforward story and a glorious historical setting captured beautifully by Vlá?il's unmistakable visual prowess. A fine work that would also be the perfect starter plate to prepare yourself for the challenging feast of Marketa Lazarová or The Valley of the Bees. It even has an easy to digest running time. It's therefore puzzling why this gem remains largely overlooked and ignored.
死亡的咏叹调，当维多利奥离开保罗，弟弟的那份深情与敬意浓缩进入了影像，摄影执笔写下了回忆录，黑白不全是记忆，彩色也非真实。西西里的海也太美了些，当蓝色浮现出来，沁人的海风与浓烈的情绪揉搓在一起，让他飞吧。
其中加入的歌谣和韵味都与原著优美的长诗体遥相呼应
8/10.
亚瑟王在宫廷举行圣诞宴会，亚瑟王的姐姐即高文的母亲摩根见儿子不求上进，就找巫女召唤出绿衣骑士，以借此让高文展露头角成为骑士。绿衣骑士向圆桌骑士挑战：有谁能砍下他的头，就可获得他的武器和由此带来的荣誉，但必须在一年后的圣诞节至绿教堂回敬一斧。作为亚瑟王的外甥、王位潜在的继承人，高文用亚瑟的剑出来挑战，但绿衣骑士被摩根操控而引颈就戮被砍下头，而后起身捡起头骑马离去。一年后亚瑟让高文赴约至绿教堂，母亲为高文制作一绿腰带并保证其不受伤害。在丛林中被一男二女打劫后，遇见圣女维妮芙蕾德，帮她从深潭捞回砍下的人头后获得丢失的巨斧，与一狐狸相伴而行，遇裸体女巨人，而后遇到一个好客的基佬贵族，到达绿教堂，绿衣骑士要砍高文的头时高文退缩逃跑了。回来后，亚瑟册封高文为骑士；亚瑟死后继承王位，埃塞尔产下男婴后夺走孩
黑白与彩色，归乡与离乡。
男主在里面挺性感的。然而即使留着大胡子，也掩盖不住眼睛所揭露的软弱。当个小白脸还行。这也是大多数男人的通性吧。骑士所具备的素质一如中国的君子。都只是极少数的人。大多数人都是贪生怕死贪财好色好逸恶劳。
亚瑟王在宫廷举行圣诞宴会，亚瑟王的姐姐即高文的母亲摩根见儿子不求上进，就找巫女召唤出绿衣骑士，以借此让高文展露头角成为骑士。绿衣骑士向圆桌骑士挑战：有谁能砍下他的头，就可获得他的武器和由此带来的荣誉，但必须在一年后的圣诞节至绿教堂回敬一斧。作为亚瑟王的外甥、王位潜在的继承人，高文用亚瑟的剑出来挑战，但绿衣骑士被摩根操控而引颈就戮被砍下头，而后起身捡起头骑马离去。一年后亚瑟让高文赴约至绿教堂，母亲为高文制作一绿腰带并保证其不受伤害。在丛林中被一男二女打劫后，遇见圣女维妮芙蕾德，帮她从深潭捞回砍下的人头后获得丢失的巨斧，与一狐狸相伴而行，遇裸体女巨人，而后遇到一个好客的基佬贵族，到达绿教堂，绿衣骑士要砍高文的头时高文退缩逃跑了。回来后，亚瑟册封高文为骑士；亚瑟死后继承王位，埃塞尔产下男婴后夺走孩
根据2500多行英语韵文诗改编，关于亚瑟的传奇，事关中世纪骑士制度和贵族文化。类似于《封神榜》中雷震子篇的一个故事分支，跟《西游记》就别比了，同为修炼，也不是一个级别。影片拍摄的很“散文诗”，景色很美色调到位，东一句西一语，各种没头没脑的梗，剧情缓慢闲聊不少，连床戏都无趣，属于催眠类型。欧美口碑分化，49家媒体给85分，观众评分6.2。4
这部前段的青灰色黑白色调让人很难不想起伊斯特伍德的那些黄灰色调片子，我的理解是岁数大了眼睛不好，辨识不了黑白里灰度。两段故事——骨灰还乡和少年杀人联系勉强，用皮兰德娄个人生涯做个串联，缅怀一下意大利战后重建的年代，也算是两兄弟的青春时代了。只是一篇内容轻飘的悼文。
2.亚瑟王说话含糊不清一直透着牙疼。
这是一个关于圣诞节千里送人头的游戏。不过画面特好看，可惜呀。
今年目前为止看到最好看的黑白影像。前后2个故事联系不足，可能是我没get到吧。
太美，拖沓得都这么美。最后竟然是《基督最后的诱惑》那样的寓言。die a knight or live a coward. 中世纪电影就应该拍成这样吧。
见过 狐狸开口说话的神迹
Dev Patel开始有真正的”movie star”的范儿了
亚瑟王故事地位差不多类似咱们的西游记吧，导演是鬼魅浮生那位，所以大概就是贾樟柯拍了孙悟空和虎力大仙斗法比砍头呗，不觉得有几个老外能看懂。。
Like everyone said, top-notch on cinematography, sound design and art department, but no story, only vibes. Good for eye, not for brain. The last 20 mins makes the most sense of the movie, like an ending explanation in the ending. The overall tone of the film, or from adult fairy tale aspect, it reminds me of Tale of Tales.
绿衣骑士，一定是2022奥斯卡提名！！！否则我把头拧下来当球踢！！！
这故事又有好多背景功课，不做的话观感会锐减，这又算是某种小圈子的曲高和寡了。
Oh, man. Eerie but fascinating. Actually loved it. And, are you kidding me, Zaddy Dev?
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