It should not surprise us that Aki Kaurismäki has come to make a silent
film that goes straight back to the early years of cinema. Kaurismäki
was always a film-maker who is averse to frills and appearances, and
concentrates on the essence of what he has to say. He is very frugal and
cautious in his choice of cinematographic means, so there is nothing
unnecessary in his films. In addition not much was ever said in his
films. The limitations of silent film are more of a plus for Kaurismaki.
Juha, based on a classic Finnish novella from 1911, is a film without
dialogue and without colour. It is a fairly simple story about a
three-sided affair between two men and a woman. Juha and his wife Marja
run their farm in surroundings that are almost paradise. They lead a
simple, uncomplicated life among their sheep. Until the arrival of an
outsider disrupts their peaceful existence. Marja falls in love with the
man and decides to leave for town with him, leaving Juha on his own on
the farm. But life with her lover leads to tragedy. Kaurismäki exploits
all conventions of silent film, including intertitles and an expressive
acting style. The sad fate of his characters is set against a mixture of
irony and drama.
