Taming the Garden

"Taming the Garden" is a riveting and intriguing documentary from Switzerland-based Georgian filmmaker Salomé Jashi. Premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2021, this cinematic gem poses a unique exploration of nature's irreplaceable beauty and the impactful human actions that attempt to control it for personal or political gain.

The 91-minute documentary is set in the Republic of Georgia and unfolds over the larger-than-life narrative of a prominent and powerful man who is bound by a peculiar obsession. His fixation lies in uprooting massively tall, centuries-old trees from their native homes and transplanted into his private garden, a dream project along the coast of the Black Sea. In this pursuit of a personal whim, the film showcases the shockingly grand and brazen maneuvers that rip apart these ancient, imposing trees from their natural habitat, hoisting them onto ships, and carefully transporting them across the sea.

"Taming the Garden" presents an evocative visual spectacle that is a blend of ethereal beauty as well as a stark revelation of the devastating impact of human intervention on the environment. The film is characterized by long, breathtaking shots of the majestic trees that tower above Georgian landscapes and drone footage of the remarkable sea journey that not only enrich the documentary's visual narrative but also instill a deep sense of respect and awe for nature's grandeur.

Salomé Jashi's direction and storytelling craft a sweeping tapestry that not only laments the audacious displacement of these trees but also the uprooting of the local communities and ecosystems that coexisted with them. She sensitively captures the reactions of the residents, ranging from feelings of despair and sense of loss, to a helpless acceptance of the wealthy man's whim serving as a metaphor for the imbalance of power.

The film subtly peels the layers behind the face of this anonymous man, believed to be former prime minister Bidzina Ivanishvili, and his obsession. His whims and actions speak volumes about the themes of power, possession, and control, painting a vivid picture of the socio-political dynamics of contemporary Georgia.

Interestingly, the documentary sparsely uses dialogues and does not comment or judge; rather it astutely captures snippets of quiet resilience, resignation, and resistance among the locals against this surreal act of dominance. This element adds to the film's haunting quality and conveys a message that is even more compelling.

While "Taming the Garden" aims to capture the physical movement of these majestic trees, it is in essence an elegant yet perturbing testament to the power that money wields over nature and communities. Salomé Jashi, with her reliance on stunning visuals and quiet, poignant moments, accomplishes a feat of storytelling that does not merely document an event but interprets its profound implications.

"Taming the Garden" thus poses pertinent questions about the ownership of natural resources and our sense of entitlement over nature. By juxtaposing the contrast between the untouched beauty of the Georgian landscapes and the mechanical tools used to conquer them, Jashi weaves a narrative that rings with an urgent environmental message and a meditation on the impact of our actions on the natural world.

Despite being a documentary about disturbing interventions in nature, "Taming the Garden" is shot with an aesthetic lens that underlines the duality of the human relationship with nature – one that oscillates between admiration and manipulation. Martin Mészáros's intuitive cinematography, combined with the stunning natural locales of Georgia, makes for a compelling, visually striking watch.

In conclusion, "Taming the Garden" is a beautiful, thought-provoking documentary that transcends its apparent premise to delve into critical themes of power, control, and environmental consciousness. With its unique storytelling approach that hinges on silence and observation, it offers a window into the state of the world today, leaving the viewers with lingering thoughts and contemplations.