Fallen Hero
Video, 24 min.
Anirban Dhar ©1994
Note By The Author:
During the 1970's the painter was involved in the underground
leftist movement. His wife passed away when he was in hiding and
soon afterwards he was expelled from the party because of
differences. Overtaken by a sense of guilt and failure he began
to paint the "Falling Hero" series. It reflects his personal
failure and at the same time portrays the importance of the
struggle in a wider sociopolitical context.
Early 90's saw him back into the party moulds at the same the
fall of the Soviet block and what it stood for. Now his approach
is radically different while the 70's thrust was struggle despite
death along with a sense of loss, the 90's present an abstract
timeless, ahistorical interpretation of soicety. It is like an
old man's desire to find meaning in his life and tries
desperately to sound optimistic without any logical reason,
almost like a preacher.
The first half of the film, which represents the 70's the film
maker identifies with him (through quotes of pieces of literature
eclusively from the 3rd World and Scotland). The poems are in
female voices as the woman is somehow missing or more of an
ornament in his paintings.
When it comes to the 90's paintings the film maker i.e. ME cannot
identify with him. Actually when I look into history I see no
reason to feel good or optimistic. Though I do not think myself
to be a pessimist, I really cannot be too hopefull. For me it is
important to see all the mistakes rather than pat ourselves on
our backs "Bravo"
All the Bengali poems are written by two contemporary Bengali
poets.
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