Room 666

Room 666 is a unique and thought-provoking film directed by Wim Wenders in 1982. The movie is a documentary that captures the thoughts of various esteemed directors on the future of cinema. These directors, who are all at the Cannes Film Festival, are seated alone in Room 666 and asked to share their perspectives on the state of the film industry.

Some of the directors who take part in this experimental film include Michelangelo Antonioni, Maroun Bagdadi, Bernardo Bertolucci, Steven Spielberg, and Jean-Luc Godard among others. As they sit and speak candidly, the camera captures not just their words, but also their behavior and body language.

This film mixes different styles and genres to create something entirely new. Room 666 is not a typical documentary where the subject is interviewed by an off-camera interviewer. Instead, the camera is placed in the room and left to record. This style gives the impression that the viewer is eavesdropping on private conversations.

Throughout the film, the audience is presented with different viewpoints on the future of cinema. The directors speak about their thoughts on the industry, addressing topics such as the changing audiences, the impact of technology, and the commercialization of film. The opinions range from guarded optimism to outright bleakness.

One of the central themes of Room 666 is the impact of technology on the film industry. The directors are mostly concerned that escalating technical advancements will create a disconnect between filmmakers and their audiences. Wenders himself also addresses the dangers of an industry that is solely profit-driven, leaving no room for artistic integrity.

The film was shot in black and white which adds to the sense of depth and thoughtfulness in the movie. The decision to shoot in this style was a deliberate one, intended to evoke a sense of nostalgia and a longing for the past. It is also an interesting choice given that much of the movie is about the future of cinema, which makes the black and white theme even more poignant.

One of the most intriguing sequences in the film is when the directors are asked to turn the camera off and speak candidly with each other. These conversations give the audience an insight into how the directors perceive each other, and how their filmmaking strategies differ. The most interesting part of this part of the movie is when some of the acclaimed directors are able to drop their laid-back facades and speak honestly with each other.

Overall, Room 666 is a fascinating journey that gives audiences a glimpse into the world of some of the most exceptional directors of their time. The film features interesting discussions that are still incredibly relevant today, almost 40 years after it was released. This film is recommended for anyone interested in the art of filmmaking, as it provides a unique and thought-provoking lens into the perspectives of some of the finest directors in the world.