Watch Notturno

Notturno is a documentary film that was directed and produced by Gianfranco Rosi. The film features footage that was shot over the course of three years in the Middle East, specifically in Iraq, Kurdistan, Syria, and Lebanon. The documentary does not focus on any particular event or timeline, rather it is a portrayal of the daily lives of individuals amidst the aftermath of war and destruction.

One of the most striking aspects of Notturno is the visuals captured by Rosi. The film is shot almost entirely at night, with the use of natural lighting giving the film an almost supernatural atmosphere. The director is able to capture the details of daily life in a way that is both intimate and cinematic. The film is composed of a series of vignettes, each one providing a different insight into the lives of individuals who have experienced the traumas of war.

One of the primary themes of Notturno is the toll that violence and war have taken on the individuals that live in the region. The film is not interested in providing a narrative of the political circumstances which led to the situation in the Middle East, rather it is interested in giving a voice to those who have been impacted by the conflict. We see the scars of war in the physical remnants of damaged buildings, but also in the emotional scars carried by those who have lost loved ones. The film provides a space for these individuals to share their experiences, which range from harrowing to hopeful.

Notturno is structured in a way that allows the viewer to develop empathy for these individuals. The film opens with a long shot of the desert at night, which Director Rosi uses as a metaphor for the chaotic and disjointed nature of life in the region. We are then introduced to individuals whose stories are interconnected, but never fully revealed. Instead we are shown glimpses of their lives and the challenges that they confront on a daily basis.

One of the most striking aspects of Notturno is the subtle ways that the director is able to craft a sense of empathy between the viewer and the individuals on screen. Much of this is accomplished through the use of sound design, which serves to ground the viewer in the space and time of the individuals whose stories are being told. We hear ambient sounds that are native to the region, such as prayer calls and the hum of generators. However, we also hear the sounds of gunfire and explosions, which provide a visceral reminder of the ongoing conflict that informs the lives of those we see on screen.

Notturno also highlights the natural beauty that exists in the midst of all this destruction. The film features breathtaking footage of the landscape of the region, which is starkly contrasted with footage of bombed out buildings and tattered streets. The juxtaposition of these visuals serves to underscore the resilience of the individuals who inhabit this environment.

Overall, Notturno is a remarkable film that provides a nuanced and compassionate portrayal of life in the Middle East. It avoids the easy trappings of political rhetoric or sensationalism, instead focusing on the intimate details of individuals as they navigate the complexities of life in a region that is steeped in history and conflict. The film is an important reminder of the enduring spirit of human resilience in the face of adversity.

Notturno is a 2020 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6 and a MetaScore of 75.