The sought after review.

Fellini’s Satyricon

If one positive thing is to be said about the aberration that was ‘Satyricon’, it is that at least Fellini seems to have fulfilled his own warped criteria.

The film was based upon the then-recently discovered book ‘Satyricon’ by the Roman writer Petronius, which gives greatly degenerate versions of mildly degenerate classical myths. The film is fragmented; one cannot follow a plot or a narrative; this is a direct reflection of the nature of the book, which was only discovered in pieces. Some may say those who disliked ‘Satyricon’ were dissatisfied with the lack of narrative. No. The film ‘Slacker’ also had a complete lack of narrative structure, too, but you didn't see people walking out of that. Falling asleep, maybe, but not walking out. I actually really liked ‘Slacker’, in hindsight. Despite its catatonic delivery, it was surprising insightful. The disjointedness of the plot really worked well and created an atmosphere that was both challenging and enjoyable.
       In marked contrast, ‘Satyricon’ was offensive, crude and disgusting. And I know Fellini's 'reasons' behind it; he was portraying an entirely amoral world, but none of that mattered. I watched for the first ten minutes and I felt very much attacked and disgusted. It was a depraved and ghastly film that should be cut up into little pieces and disposed of along with waste and menstrual matter. Except that would be a dishonour to the waste and menstruation.
      ‘Satyricon’ was clearly designed to shock, albeit in a decidedly lackadaisical way. But there are better ways to shock an audience. The painting ‘The Death of David Kelly’ by Dexter Dalwood is gently shocking through its bold colours, collage-like style and the understated title. Things that are too ‘in-your-face’ are often not well received. I suppose the thing to consider is whether you prefer being cleverly quiet, or brashly memorable.
       Fans of the noxious film will tell me 'that was the intention'. But I firmly believe that filmmakers, artists and designers have a great responsibility. I was reading snippets of the Thomist philosopher Jacques Maritain, who believes that ‘Art by itself tends to the good of the work, not to the good of man.’ That definition would justify a lot of art in all forms; it is definitely true. Nobody considers the wider implications of the work, only that the work be good and acceptable in the eyes of the artist and the arty minority. Maritain also believes artists are the ones who (and this may be especially true in today’s anti-religious climate) provide mankind with food for the spirit, important things which affect the inner person, whether or not we want to pretend it does not. I say, in a world where perversion is generally shunned, why does the art community seek specifically to teach and indoctrinate us in perverse things, and why is perversion celebrated?  Indeed, during a search on the web I found that ‘Satyricon’ received standing ovations and positive reviews worldwide.
 
Perhaps we should all watch Fellini’s ‘masterpiece’ intently; it shows us a way of life that should never be sought after. Perhaps it will enrich our lives... But I doubt it. Rather, I can truly say I’ve learned firsthand the meaning of the phrase ‘clinical shock.’ My brain has only just stopped crying and shuddering in pain.



(References:

: http://www.nathanielturner.com/responsibilityoftheartist.htm  (Maritain quote) 

   http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20010727/REVIEWS/107270302/1023 (Roger Ebert’s review)

Turner Prize 2010, ‘The Death of David Kelly’, Dexter Dalwood room, Tate Britain)