From reviews that raised eyebrows raving about its 40 minute – some reporting up to a 59 minute – tracking shot (in 3D, no less) to stories leading many to scratch their heads over how the heck an art house movie – with a plot that sounds like every almost other Murakami novel (see: “Burning”) – possibly outgrossed “Avengers: Infinity War” in presale marketing, Bi Gan’s film, “Long Day’s Journey Into Night”, has received a rapturous response since its premiere at last year’s Cannes Film Festival.
How the latter was accomplished is actually quite simple – and sort of brilliant – the release of the film was entirely wrapped up in a Chinese New Year’s package (an enormously important cultural event).
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It’s not so dissimilar from David Fincher’s sound assertion that cinematic events have been turned into social bonfires. Whereas megahits akin to “Star Wars” somehow don’t always land overseas, an event such as “Long Day’s Journey Into Night” looks like a shoo-in for an attractive night out at the movies.
Here’s a Hollywood parallel: how many moviegoers do you think arranged plans for their “Avengers: Endgame” evening after the trailer dropped this morning? I’d imagine, at least a handful. How many empowered women were proudly tweeting selfies of their “Captain Marvel” cups, this past weekend? It’s the same idea. People who spend their hard earned cash on the ridiculous prices of theater concessions, expect more from the everyday experience now thanks to Netflix and streaming’s effect on instant gratification.
Theaters are only going to find themselves searching for more ways to get large groups to gather and congregate around their product and Gan’s film, has more than just a celebratory gimmick going for it. It has an almost hour-long tracking shot with an extra visual dimension.
“In an era where digital fakery can masquerade for the real thing, Bi Gan brings back the possibilities, no the magic, of cinema”, our review wrote, calling ‘Long Day’s Journey’ a “flat-out masterpiece.” Unlike studio fare where they often post-convert the imagery, Gan’s film certainly seems to be more in the vein of a genuinely compelling three-dimensional experience like Jean Luc Godard‘s “Goodbye to Language.” Check out the trailer below and see just how beautiful, bold and groundbreaking Gan’s movie looks to be.
Kino Lorber will release “Long Day’s Journey Into Night” in New York and Seattle on April 12. It is expected to expand to Los Angeles and other major cities from there and all screenings will be presented in 3D.