Routine Pleasures

Routine Pleasures is an enthralling 1986 movie hailing from the terrain of experimental filmmaking. This fascinating film unexpectedly intertwines two seemingly disparate subjects - model railroading and the philosophy of film criticism - and, in doing so, forms an unconventional narrative that's both deeply captivating and thoroughly insightful. This film is a unique combination of a documentary and a narrative film. It is directed by the visionary filmmaker Jean-Pierre Gorin, best known for his work during the 1960s and 1970s with the Dziga Vertov Group, which he co-founded with famed director Jean-Luc Godard. In expanding the scope of experimental cinema, Gorin masterfully bridged the gap by mixing reality and surrealism into one melting pot.

At the heart of Routine Pleasures are the model train enthusiasts from Del Mar, California. The film ingeniously segues between interviews and intimate moments with these hobbyist train enthusiasts, lovingly referred to as the Pacific Beach & Western railroad club. Their dedication and affection are almost palpable as they invest their time and creativity into a shared passion: meticulously recreating and operating a 20's era model train universe. These characters are painstakingly dedicated, displaying a sense of commitment and fondness for their craft that is both inspiring and heartwarming.

Beyond the mesmerizing world of model trains, Routine Pleasures delves into the cerebral realm of film criticism philosophy, incorporating and juxtaposing the punditry of preeminent film critic and historian Manny Farber. A painter and professor of film studies himself, Farber’s critical analysis on various aspects of cinema becomes the secondary and equally engaging strand of this cinematic tapestry. The film infuses Farber's musings on film aesthetics, American popular culture, and his idiosyncratic "termite art" theory, which posits that the most radical, challenging, and honest art comes from the margins, rather than from the mainstream's "white elephant" productions.

Gorin's editorial awareness and skillful juxtaposition brilliantly unite the worlds of the model train enthusiasts and Farber’s film critique philosophy. By doing so, he offers a provocative, whimsically compelling reflection on the dedication to craft, individual's obsession with minutiae, the passion for recreating realities, and the value of peripheral art. Essentially, it is a heartfelt study of hobbyists' passion paralleling the dedication and craft of "termite" filmmakers who steer away from conventional storytelling forms.

The cinematography, just like its content, remains experimentally pleasing. The long episodic shots of the model trains delicately moving along the tracks and the interiors of the Pacific Beach & Western clubhouse provide a visually stunning look into the small-scale world of the model railroad men. In contrast, the scenes involving Manny Farber's discourses feature dynamic camera movements and creative visual compositions. Some scenes portray him in conversation while painting, evidencing the intersection of his artistic and critical pursuits.

The film also conveys a soothing and nostalgic soundtrack that goes with the slow-paced rhythm of the narrative. Capturing the rhythmic tranquility of model trains and the intellectual pulse of film criticism talks, the soundtrack becomes an integral character in its own right, underlining emotions and enhancing the overall viewer's experience.

Routine Pleasures, however, is not merely an exploration of model train enthusiasts or a scholarly pursuit of cinema criticism. Instead, it is a profound meditation on subjects, who although may seem ordinary, come together in extraordinary ways to express their passion. The film breaks down the boundaries of mainstream cinema and gleefully ventures into the world of experimental film, inviting the audience to embark on this intellectual exploration. No matter the viewer's familiarity with model railroading or film criticism, the film's compelling journey is bound to resonate, providing a fresh perspective on passions, creativity, and the small scale reflections of reality we're often too busy to notice.

In a nutshell, Routine Pleasures is a movie that exhibits a delightful inner world, intellect, and an unapologetic peculiar charm. Its empathetic portrayal of hobbyists, coupled with its intellectual sideline of cinema criticism, makes it an intriguing and thought-provoking film, capable of enchanting those seeking a richly rewarding cinematic adventure.