Jonathan Livingston Seagull

Initially, I gave Jonathan Livingston Seagull 2 stars with the thought that although the film doesn't resonate with me, I just couldn't give it less with such beautiful cinematography and intentions. But with every passing hour, Jonathan Livingston Seagull started to annoy me more and more, so if I hesitated with my review for a little longer, I would end up giving it a Boo! rating. This was regardless of the flood of stars and the blissful enthusiastic reviews. I am quite surprised by these positive reviews because I consider skepticism and resistance to grand ideals and grandiose visions as typical Czech characteristics. On the other hand, I acknowledge that Jonathan Livingston Seagull is cleverly made and ambitious - grandiloquent kitsch. It is kitsch that is so pathetic, overdone, and monstrous that I can hardly find a film equivalent for it. Yet, the potential is there if the work didn't take itself so desperately seriously and saw the story of its protagonist as a satirical allegory. Jonathan Seagull has big problems with the older members of his community who fly according to established methods and established traditions. Every malcontent who understands something valuable a few minutes earlier than others is, understandably, considered in the best case a harmless simpleton and in the worst case a dangerous pest until the others chew it over. But the author conceived it in a completely different way, so we are witnesses to noble-looking boredom, especially in the second half, nicely spiced up with a series of swollen pseudo-philosophical phrases about what was in a past life and what will be in the future. The dialogues almost have the type of blabber you find in Matrix Reloaded. I am not disappointed because I am unfamiliar with the book and after this experience, I have no desire to read it. However, if you want to see beautiful shots of rocky cliffs, circling seagulls, a whale rolling in the sea waves, and listen to Neil Diamond's emotional voice, go for it. However, I would recommend listening to his music on CD or YouTube. I urgently need to cure myself of this meditative mess with some nicely cynical film from Kevin Smith's workshop. Overall impression: 20%. (04/11/2011)