Maîtres anciens

About This Movie

So, 'Maîtres anciens' is this curious TV movie from '97 that adapts Thomas Bernhard's play. It really dives into the absurdities of life and the nature of art itself, wrapped in this darkly comic tone. The pacing is a bit peculiar, with a rhythm that feels both languid and intense, as if it’s teasing you with its underlying tensions. The performances are compelling, capturing that Bernhard-esque style - all those sharp, biting lines delivered with a mix of seriousness and humor. I find the atmosphere really intriguing, almost claustrophobic at times, making it distinctive among adaptations. It’s not flashy with effects; it relies heavily on dialogue and character interactions, which might not be for everyone but definitely gives it an interesting vibe.

Explores themes of art and absurdity · Notable for its dialogue-driven approach · Captures Bernhard's unique style