Film Persona

  Elem Klimov's "Adventures of a Dentist" Although it was a rather strange film, Elem Klimov's 1965 film " Adventures of a Dentist " was actually labelled as a "category three" film by the nation's censors, meaning it was only designated to play in 25-78 movie theaters. The reason for the censorship was not due to nudity, violence, or political pointedness. Rather, it was because the film centers on a young dentist who is ostracized because he is so gifted. The notion that society inevitably shuns and blackballs people skilled at their craft was enough of a shocking notion to have the film banned.  The film itself is quaint and a little uneventful. It's ideas and concepts are well worth considering and even strange enough to cause for continued pondering. However, the film feels more like a paper-thin waif cracker than any sort of hardy meal. 

  Bryan Forbes' "Seance on a Wet Afternoon" The 1964 British crime thriller " Seance on a Wet Afternoon " finds a medium who convinces her husband to kidnap a little girl so she can help solve the crime and achieve renown for her abilities. The film's unravelling is something dramatic of note and does an adequate job of keeping the viewer engaged throughout. However, there is an aspect of the film's ending that is missing a bit of verve.  All in all, the film works marvelously for what it is. As far as crime thrillers go, it's got enough thrills and drama to warrant its successes. Despite this, it wasn't something to praise more than any of its contemporaries.