The Golden Door - Emanuele Crialese

"My inspiration came when I visited Ellis Island and saw close-ups of people looking into the camera as though it was a strange instrument. These intimate images made me fantasize about their past, their culture. I started researching and never stopped for five years."

- Emanuele Crialese 

I really enjoyed this film and for numerous reasons.  Crialese became fascinated with Ellis Island when he visited and it truly shows through the cinematography of the film.  The last few scenes when they are on the island capture the atmosphere of being there very well.  You never see the full island, or the full layout of the building.  It seems to go on forever and you have no idea where any of the rooms are because there are never any shots of people walking between locations.  Just shots of standing in line, sitting with your group, and waiting.  It seems like the process is going to last forever.  Crialese does a great job at transmitting the emotions of those going through the immigration process to the viewers.

I enjoyed how everyone's view of America was this mystical place where all the plants are huge and it rains money.  It is a shame no American's have that same vision of America.  We are hopelessly mean to each other trying to get a head in a corporate world where those in power will do anything fiscally to keep it that way.  The film honestly shows and explains the mentality of those who come here, the land of opportunities.  Where you can make life whatever you want it to be.

I understand why Crialese could not stop researching for five years.  My ancestors at one point waited in the lines at Ellis Island.  I am fascinated by my family history.  If I have the opportunity I will most definitely watch this film again.  There are many parts that relate to the culture of those in the film that I want to revisit.  I do not fully understand why they did certain things or why things were the way they were and seeing these on film only made me desire more.



References:
-http://awfj.org/2007/05/29/emanuele-crialese-talks-with-jennifer-merin-about-golden-door/