In Jóhann Jóhannsson’s film adaptation of Olaf Stapelton’s 1930 novel Last and First Men, passages from the book serve as narration over long, slow pans of decaying brutalist monuments erected in the former republic of Yugoslavia. The score, composed by Jóhannson himself, is suitably haunting.
In short, it tells the story of the extinction of mankind, nearly two billion years in the future.
Though bleak and lifeless, the Earth is peaceful, and a sense of restfulness permeates the film. No hustle and bustle, no electronic noise pollution, no war… nothing but gentle winds caressing ancient stone.
I frequently fantasize about a post-human Earth, and as such didn’t find it as depressing as a not-insignificant portion of its online reviewers did. On the contrary, I found it immensely relaxing.
Depressing or not, chances are that whether you’re into unique and thought-provoking science fiction, or simply an appreciator of fine cinematography in general, you’ll find Last and First Men brilliant.
Certainly, it’s not for everyone. It’s snail-paced, and there are no people in it. It’s quite understandable to me that someone might watch this and find it boring in the extreme.
The only comparable films I can think of are 2001 and Fantastic Planet, neither of which it visually resembles. Still, I have a feeling that if you like those, you’ll like this.
Patrick Walts: Author 