Posted by Peter Ceresole on July 09, 2010 at 06:24:45 user PeterC.
In Reply to: Re: Are things getting better? - Warning off-topic! posted by Jock on July 09, 2010 at 02:28:23:
but thanks to Google Video I'm rapidly making up for the deficiency
For me, the best and most 'Adam'-like moment comes right at the beginning- in the titles, as he mentions the collapse of the Soviet system, and the image is of a huge hall with chandeliers stretching into the distance. They go out one by one, and the reference is clearly to the statement by Grey at the start of the 1st World War "The lamps are going out all over Europe. We shall not see them lit again in our time".
Applied. of course, to the Soviet Union, where they were very big on chandeliers.
I always found that a splendid, minatory moment. Typical that Adam should think of that connection, and find that shot. Also typical that he doesn't explain it in commentary- there's no need, as it works on any level you care to consider.
He was the most brilliant person to work near- long talks in the canteen. A deeply, deeply intelligent and imaginative man.