The Seasons in Quincy: Four Portraits of John Berger (2017)

The Seasons in Quincy: Four Portraits of John Berger Poster

The Ways of Seeing writer is celebrated by Tilda Swinton and her fellow admirers in an unorthodox four-part documentary that visits him at his Alpine home

Introduction
"The Seasons in Quincy: Four Portraits of John Berger", released in 2017, is a remarkable documentary that paints an intimate portrait of John Berger, the renowned British essayist, author, painter, and cultural thinker. The film is a collection of 4 short movies shot over 5 years in the little Alpine village of Quincy, where Berger selected to live. Compiled by directors Tilda Swinton, Colin MacCabe, Christopher Roth, and Bartek Dziadosz, the documentary provides audiences explorations of Berger's creative and philosophical insights.

Structure of the Film
The film is bifurcated into four various parts, each showcasing a distinct aspect of Berger's life. It begins with "Ways of Listening", followed by "Spring", "A Song for Politics", and lastly ending with "Harvest". Each of these segments is embeded in Berger's farm in Quincy, paced by the altering seasons, and portrays unique elements of Berger's viewpoints, politics, and creative outlook.

Ways of Listening
The very first part, "Ways of Listening", features Tilda Swinton, a veteran friend of Berger's. In this sector, they speak about their relationship, family, and artistic pursuits in the middle of snowy landscapes. The sector perfectly showcases their warm and congenial relationship, developing a strong psychological structure for the remainder of the film.

Spring
The second part, "Spring", delves into Berger's philosophical reflections on rural way of life and humankind's relationship with animals. This is done through a balance of intimate discussions with Berger and contemplative voiceovers that offer a nuanced perspective on the cycles of life and death that govern the natural world.

A Song for Politics
The 3rd part, "A Song for Politics", brightens Berger's passionate commitment to politics. Through in-depth discussions with Berger and his child, this section clarifies Berger's Marxist beliefs, his ideas on modern capitalism, and his long-lasting enthusiasm for advocacy and social justice.

Harvest
The last part, "Harvest", aptly called for the fall season in Quincy and functioned as a poignant homage to Berger's wife, Beverly, who had actually just recently passed away. The sector is marked by a sense of loss that permeates Berger's reflections on love, household, relationships, and death. Here, audiences witness Berger's amazing capability to discover appeal and strength even in the middle of pain and sorrow.

Conclusion
"The Seasons in Quincy: Four Portraits of John Berger" is a thought-provoking documentary that provides a rich and intimate insight into the life and viewpoints of one of the most reputable cultural figures in contemporary literature and art. It daringly individualizes the act of intellectual discourse, taking it out of the lecture hall and putting it in the middle of the simpleness and intricacy of daily life. Each section in the movie unfolds with abundant discussions, gorgeous rural landscapes, and intimate confessions, stitching a cinematic tapestry that presents Berger not simply as an intellectual but likewise as a human being navigating life, love, and loss.

Top Cast

  • John Berger (small)
    John Berger
    Himself
  • Tilda Swinton (small)
    Tilda Swinton
    Herself
  • Colin MacCabe
    Himself
  • Christopher Roth
    Himself
  • Akshi Singh
    Herself
  • Ben Lerner
    Himself
  • Honor Swinton Byrne (small)
    Honor Swinton Byrne
    Herself