I regretfully admit that I’m not one to discuss upon the work of Theo Angelopoulos. As a person who admires European cinema, and all of it’s politically fueled power punches against systematic oppression, the greatest master of this very skill, is one that I’ve personally never investigated before watching Letter to Theo. However, it has to said that this heartwarming, experimental dissection and eulogy of this great figure, will leave cinephiles teary-eyed, and revolutionaries hopeful. Director Elodie Lélu perfectly encapsulates the tone and energy of Angelopoulos vision, utilizing excerpts from Theo’s films, intersected with raw live footage, to create a kaleidoscope of fragments, which reflect on the influence and power against corrupt (in particular European) systems.
The end result of Letter to Theo is less of a documentary, and more so a contemplative installation of Theo’s influence. Through the grandeur of it’s lively shots of immigration and civilians, Lélu examines all the traits of Theo’s work, and connects them with real-life events and personas, with a somber and powerful tone. Letter to Theo isn’t necessarily a film, or a documentary, or whatever label you would like to put on it.
It’s a bi-product of grief, reflection, and contemplation.
It’s a piece of therapy and understanding.
Letter to Theo is set to be screened at this year’s Hot Docs Canadian International Film Festival, as part of the Artscapes program, on the following dates:
Sunday, April 28th– 8:45 PM – TIFF Bell Lightbox 4
Tuesday, April 30th– 3:30 PM – Scotiabank Theatre 8
On The Clock 