Commune
(2006)
Picture:
C+ Sound: C+ Extras: C Film: C+
In what
could also be called “everything you always wanted to know about commune
living, but were afraid to ask”, Jonathan Berman’s Commune (2006) details the 1968 founding of The Black Bear
Ranch. Running only 78 minutes, it is
loaded with all kinds of stills, vintage footage and explanation of how raw
(and potentially unhealthy with people going to the bathroom together!?!?) this
kind of living was.
The
documentary has its moments, but this only goes so far in being interesting
before hitting a wall with the obvious.
They said they were trying to escape a future of work and consumerism,
but it is not like this would be the only alternative or as if a natural
dichotomy exists between this life and “capitalist” living. Too bad this never tries to explore that
question.
The
letterboxed 1.78 X 1 image ranges from old black and white videotape shot at
the time of the founding of the commune to new digitally-shot interviews. The Dolby Digital 2.0 sound is simple stereo
at best. Extras include extended Peter
Coyote interview, uncensored “Bare Truth” of commune living featurette,
trailer, text filmmaker’s biographies and Black Bear Family Album &
History.
- Nicholas Sheffo
