Watch Black Moon

Black Moon is a surreal and cryptic film directed by Louis Malle in 1975. Set in an undefined time and place, it tells the story of a young woman named Lily (Cathryn Harrison) who, after running away from a war, finds herself in the middle of a strange and eerie world where nature, animals, and humans coexist in an absurd and unsettling way.

The film opens with an image of a unicorn lying dead by the side of the road, which sets the tone for the following scenes. Lily drives through a countryside that seems to be devastated by a conflict, where she encounters characters such as a truck driver who offers her a ride, a woman with a rifle who shoots rabbits for dinner, and an old lady who lives in a remote mansion full of surreal and enigmatic objects.

In the mansion, Lily discovers a group of people who are in a state of unrest, struggling to define their roles and relationships in a world that is rapidly changing around them. There is the old lady (Therese Giehse), who seems to be the master of the house and who is engaged in a power struggle with her son, a strange and mysterious man who appears to be both male and female, played by Joe Dallesandro. There are also several female servants, who seem to be both sexually attracted and repelled by the young Lily.

As the story unfolds, Lily's perception of reality becomes increasingly blurred, and she starts to experience strange and disturbing visions that add to the mystery of the film. There are images of a war between men and women, a group of soldiers dressed in black who invade the mansion, and a herd of pigs who seem to have become the rulers of the world.

The film's plot is intentionally ambiguous and fragmented, leaving the viewer with more questions than answers. However, the imagery of Black Moon is incredibly powerful and evocative, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that is both beautiful and terrifying. The film's use of symbolism and metaphors is also remarkable, as it explores themes such as gender, sexuality, politics, and identity in a subtle and sophisticated way.

One of the most striking aspects of Black Moon is its visual style, which is influenced by surrealism, romanticism, and avant-garde cinema. The cinematography by Sven Nykvist is stunning, with a range of colors and textures that convey the film's mood and meaning. The music, composed by Diego Masson, is equally impressive, using a combination of classical and electronic sounds that heighten the film's otherworldly atmosphere.

Overall, Black Moon is a film that demands attention and interpretation. It is not a conventional narrative, but rather a work of art that challenges the viewer's perception and understanding of cinema. Louis Malle's direction is masterful, and the performances by the cast, especially Cathryn Harrison and Therese Giehse, are outstanding. Although it may not be everyone's cup of tea, Black Moon is a film that deserves to be seen and discussed, as it pushes the boundaries of what is possible in filmmaking.