There are few titles in recent months I’ve heard more positive rumblings about than Museum Hours, documentary filmmaker Jem Cohen‘s (narrative) treatise on life, art, and love in Vienna. I’ve been lucky enough to encounter mountains of praise while, too, avoiding much in the way of summaries, images, previews, etc. — no one tell me when the LexCorp logo shows up — but with a theatrical release kicking off tomorrow, some (any!) type of preview had to make its way out there.
Thankfully, the promotional bit worked up by Cinema Guild is a tasteful bit of business: its images mostly speak for themselves, while the central two-person dynamic is given light in a gentle, mostly suggestive manner. Admittedly, this wouldn’t have many viewers thinking they could be in for one of 2013’s best titles, but, no matter the surrounding hype, a job well done is a job well done. Now, to see Cohen‘s actual work…
The trailer can be viewed below (via Apple):
Synopsis:
Acclaimed filmmaker Jem Cohen’s new feature, Museum Hours, is a mesmerizing tale of two adrift strangers who find refuge in Vienna’s grand Kunsthistorisches Art Museum. Johann, a museum guard, spends his days silently observing both the art and the visitors. Anne, suddenly called to Vienna from overseas, has been wandering the city in a state of limbo. A chance meeting sparks a deepening connection that draws them through the halls of the museum and the streets of the city. The exquisitely photographed Museum Hours is an ode to the bonds of friendship, an exploration of an unseen Vienna, and the power of art to both mirror and alter our lives.
Museum Hours will open in New York City on June 28. A release schedule can be seen here.
With this first look and positive buzz, is Museum Hours on your to-see list?