Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner (2001) ****

Atanarjuat (The Fast Runner) and his brother Amaqjuaq (The Strong One)

In a way, it was what I expected. And then it wasn't. I expected Inuit customs, traditions, people. However, I didn't expect it to be shot on video. I didn't expect it to blur the lines between documentary and fiction. Based on an old Inuit legend, the story told is undoubtedly fiction. But it also has strong ethnographic characteristics; much of their way of life and daily activities are not shown in tight montages. Instead, they are shown in full as if to preserve their culture on film for future generations to model themselves after. It can be a challenging watch but also undeniably rewarding.

The legend, as told in the film, basically has Atanarjuat take a girl named Atuat - who was promised to another man named Oki. It conjures bad blood and so a bitter rivalry begins that extends past these two - plaguing their families in the process. In the age of Hollywood, a story like this is old hat. But it just goes to prove that movies aren't necessarily about what it is but how it is. And how it's done in The Fast Runner has a maturity to it one doesn't find in typical Hollywood outputs. It understands what the loss of life means for those who live on. It understands that we can easily forgive - but not easily forget. Endings aren't exactly happy here. But they are reasonable.

Now, upon experiencing this, I couldn't help but be constantly reminded of Nanook of the North, the landmark "documentary" by Robert Flaherty. It also charted the Inuit people and their way of life just as it is done here. It has been a long time since I've seen that film and am curious to see the differences between the two. But the chief difference here is that The Fast Runner is shot and told from an Inuit perspective. Much, if not all, of the production was headed by its own people and the spirit shows. It doesn't feel artificial. It feels genuine. Regardless of whether it was released in 2001 or 1901, I imagine the film would've accurately portrayed the Inuit people. In all respects, Atanarjuat is timeless.