“The Arc of Oblivion” is a thought-provoking documentary that delves into the concept of futility within its own existence. Directed by Ian Cheney, the film presents Cheney as a collector, gathering an assortment of memories stored on hard drives, ranging from the mundane to the profound. Cheney also inherits or acquires materials from others, like a slide box labeled “The Ark” by his father, containing seemingly insignificant images that raise questions about their significance.
The title of the documentary, “The Arc of Oblivion,” cleverly plays with multiple meanings. It centers around Cheney’s ambitious project to construct a literal ark on his family’s Maine property, intending to preserve his amassed collection of memories. This endeavor serves as both a practical attempt to organize his chaotic collection and a whimsical response to the inevitability of impermanence. Cheney acknowledges the absurdity of his undertaking, realizing that preserving his possessions in a boat on dry land won’t truly protect them. Furthermore, building an ark imposes arbitrary constraints on the film’s runtime, emphasizing the challenge of encapsulating such a vast subject within a finite timeframe.
The lowercase “c” in “arc” further emphasizes the futility of Cheney’s endeavor, despite any illusions of permanence it may evoke. In essence, “The Arc of Oblivion” reflects on the transient nature of existence, echoing themes of mortality and resurrection.
The documentary introduces various characters who contribute to the exploration of impermanence, including documentarian Kristen Johnson, paleontologist Kirk Johnson, potter Yasmin Glinton Poitier, limestone magnate David Hoch, and photographers Erin and Brian Palmer. Their perspectives add depth to the film’s examination of memory preservation and the passage of time.
While Werner Herzog’s involvement is limited to executive producing, his influence is palpable throughout the film. Cheney’s narration, reminiscent of Herzog’s style, blends introspection with humor, drawing parallels to Herzog’s protagonists who embark on futile quests to immortalize themselves.
The suggestion of including “Arc of Oblivion” in a cinematic lineup alongside Herzog’s “Fitzcarraldo” and “The Burden of Dreams” highlights the film’s thematic resonance with Herzog’s exploration of existential struggles.
Overall, “The Arc of Oblivion” offers a stimulating viewing experience, with layers of complexity that may require multiple viewings to fully appreciate. Despite its intellectual depth, the film maintains a relaxed tone, allowing viewers to engage with its themes without feeling overwhelmed. Reflecting on the film after its premiere at the 2023 South by Southwest film festival underscores its timeless qualities, even as its subjects may fade into obscurity over time. Nonetheless, the film’s exploration of impermanence invites contemplation long after the credits roll.
| Aspect | Summary |
|---|---|
| Title | “The Arc of Oblivion” cleverly plays with multiple meanings, revolving around Ian Cheney’s project to construct a literal ark on his family’s property, serving as a response to impermanence. |
| Main Themes | Explores the futility of existence through Cheney’s collection of memories and his ambitious ark-building project. |
| Characters | Includes Kristen Johnson, Kirk Johnson, Yasmin Glinton Poitier, David Hoch, Erin and Brian Palmer, each contributing to the exploration of impermanence and memory preservation. |
| Herzogian Influence | While Werner Herzog only executive produced, his influence is evident in Cheney’s narration and the film’s thematic resonance with Herzog’s works. |
| Cinematic Connection | Could be included in a triple feature alongside Herzog’s “Fitzcarraldo” and “The Burden of Dreams,” exploring similar themes of futile quests and existential struggles. |
| Viewing Experience | Offers a stimulating experience with layers of complexity, initially appearing light but revealing deeper themes upon reflection. |
| Timeless Qualities | Reflects on the transient nature of existence, with themes likely to resonate for years to come despite potential obscurity. |
| Personal Reflections | A year after its premiere, the film’s themes are more apparent, suggesting a timeless quality despite the likelihood of fading into obscurity. |
| Overall Impact | Provides a richly stimulating viewing experience, likely to provoke contemplation and resonate with audiences on themes of impermanence and memory preservation. |
