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akashlouise
Reviews
1899 (2022)
Why are Dark Fans hating on this? This is better than Dark! (So far)
I know right? What kind of blasphemy did I just utter? Hear me out.
Let's talk about it. 1899 has way superior production design. The camera work is actually insane in that there is (a sense of, and actually is) a palpable narrative element more often than not. The backround/soundtrack, once again, is better. The set pieces are awe-inspiring.
Now that the technical elements are out of the way-- Dark, with all it's logistic complexity, isn't really a subtle show when it comes to plot mechanics or narrative propagation. If you ask anyone what the best moments of THAT show is, it's always a plot twist or a reveal. 1899 is, while not very extremely, a really subtle show with it's subtext, themes and dramaturgy. It doesn't indulge itself or stack the chips reliant solely on twists or dramatic reveals. It's pure drama, pandemonium, surrealism, character dynamics, anxiety and "twists" that, unlike dark, eases in on itself.
The memorable moments are shot compositions, lighting, production, camera work, DAVID BOWIE!!!!!!! ---not just another dramatic reveal after another after another.
It's not a perfect show (i mean what is?), but it's extremely ambitious in heart and novel to it's core. And I LOVE that.
PS: It's funny how Dark is set in an entire town but felt so personal while 1899 is set pretty much on board a ship but feels universal (and yet so personal). The struck the balance really well.