Watch Hallelujah the Hills

Hallelujah the Hills, released in 1963, is a black and white comedy film directed by Adolfas Mekas. The film's plot revolves around two young men, Jack and Leo, who are competing for the affections of the same girl, Vera. The film is divided into a series of chapters, each with a different title and theme. The film is often described as surreal and absurd.

The opening chapter, titled "The Death of Colloquial Language," sets the tone for the film. A narrator explains that the film will be presented in a new language, a language that is free from the limitations of conventional language. This language is created through the use of puns, wordplay, and nonsense. The chapter features Jack and Leo discussing their love for Vera in this new language.

In the following chapters, Jack and Leo compete for Vera's attention. They engage in absurd and playful games, such as a game of "manhunt" and a race to touch a tree. Vera is presented as a mysterious and elusive figure, appearing in various forms throughout the film. She is at times a symbol of feminine desire and at other times a representation of the unknowable forces of the universe.

The film is heavily influenced by French New Wave cinema, with its playful experimentation with form and its emphasis on the pleasures of youth. Mekas was a founding member of the New York avant-garde film scene, and Hallelujah the Hills reflects his interest in exploring the boundaries of conventional narrative filmmaking.

The film's visual style is distinctive, with a focus on natural landscapes and the quirky details of everyday life. The camera often lingers on small gestures and details, such as a piece of toast falling off a plate or a bird flying through the air. The film is also notable for its use of humor, which ranges from silly physical comedy to witty wordplay.

One of the film's most memorable scenes takes place in the chapter titled "Zoomtopia." Jack and Vera are lying on a hillside, looking up at the clouds. They begin to imagine what would happen if the clouds were able to zoom in and out like a camera lens. This leads to a surreal montage of images, including a close-up of Vera's eye, a group of people walking into the sea, and a close-up of an ant on a leaf.

The film's irreverent and playful tone is summed up in the final chapter, titled "To the Top of Mount Fujiyama." In this chapter, Jack and Leo climb a mountain while holding hands. They reach the summit and are greeted by a group of monks, who perform a ritual that involves pouring hot tea over their heads. The film ends with a shot of the two men sitting on a rock, looking out at the horizon.

Overall, Hallelujah the Hills is a charming and whimsical film that showcases the experimental spirit of the 1960s. While it may not be everyone's cup of tea, the film's unique style and offbeat humor make it a fascinating artifact of its time.