Blind

Blind is a Norwegian drama film from 2014 directed by Eskil Vogt and starring Ellen Dorrit Petersen, Henrik Rafaelsen, and Vera Vitali. It is a standout in the genre of international independent cinema, combining elements of introspective drama with unique storytelling techniques.

The film tells the emotional journey of Ingrid, played by Ellen Dorrit Petersen, who has recently lost her sight. Petersen delivers a captivating performance as Ingrid, imbuing the character with a profound depth and humanity. Ingrid's world has contracted because of her new reality. She is constantly confined to her apartment in Oslo, becoming increasingly dependent on her kind-hearted but also flawed husband, Morten, played by Henrik Rafaelsen.

Throughout Blind, Ingrid battles her fears of descending into total darkness and is unable to recognize the world around her. In an unexpected twist, the film offers a deeply perceptive view of the human psyche by projecting Ingrid's fears, obsessions, and reconstructive imagination onto the movie screen. Her vibrant and yet fracturing mind become the playground of this film.

Eskil Vogt, the director, holds an unblinking gaze at the challenges and psychological battles faced by the visually impaired. The struggles are further amplified by Ingrid's reluctance to leave the safety of her home. Vogt employs narrative strategies that enhance our understanding of the central character, by blurring the line between reality and imagination and effectively placing us in Ingrid's shoes.

As Ingrid's imagination becomes more active to compensate for the loss of sight, she creates a fictitious character named Elin, portrayed by Vera Vitali, whose life unfolds as an aspect of Ingrid's experiences and fears. Elin's character is a single mother new to the city who has a lonely and disconcerting experience of meeting strangers and adjusting to a new life. The stories of these characters intertwine in manners that are surprising and engaging, constantly making viewers question what's real and what's a product of Ingrid's vivid imagination.

The film not only narrates the life of a visually impaired woman but excavates deeper into the human psyche, love, trust, insecurities, and senses under the cover of blindness. Along with a fantastic performance by the cast, the strong cinematography sets the film apart. The visuals present tangible metaphors for blindness and subjective experience—wide open spaces that should feel freeing instead feel disorienting, while the tight confines of an apartment can feel both comforting and claustrophobic.

The movie's real triumph is in the way it invites viewers to explore personal insecurities and fears along with the protagonist. It pushes the audience to question their understanding not just of the protagonist's personality, but their own perceptions of the world around them. The film's strong narrative is bolstered by stellar performances from the cast bringing life to a sensitive subject.

Blind is not a typical drama film; instead, it introduces the viewer to a novel cinematic experience that pushes the boundaries of traditional storytelling. It is highly introspective, somewhat philosophical, and deeply moving. Ellen Dorrit Petersen's performance of Ingrid is remarkable, and she is well-supported by Henrik Rafaelsen and Vera Vitali.

The film ends with a question and leaves the interpretation to the audience, encouraging them to ponder upon the narrative. The viewers are subtly taken into dark corners of fear and uncertainty, just as Ingrid herself had to navigate. At each turn, Vogt's movie grips with its complex storytelling and its portrayal of psychological turmoil through the intricate layers of Ingrid's perception, imagination, and fear.

To wrap it up, Blind is a brilliantly executed, thought-provoking film that delves deeply into the human mind, exploiting the concept of blindness beyond the physical aspects. Its depiction of the everyday life of a blind woman embraces human experience in its entirety - serving both as an eye-opener and an emotional roller coaster that will leave viewers reflective. So, sit back and let your senses take in this extraordinary depiction of an ordinary life thrown off balance.