Review of Aki Kaurismaki Collection: Vol. 2

Introduction

About a month ago, I watched and reviewed Aki Kaurismäki`s `Lights in the Dusk` and said that it made me interested in his other work. Now Artificial Eye have released six of Kaurismäki`s earlier films in two volumes so I was given a chance to see other films by the Finnish auteur. Volume 2 contains `Take Care of Your Scarf, Tatjana`, `Drifting Clouds` and `Juha` from 1994, 1996 and 1999 respectively. Unlike `The Underdog Trilogy`, these films are not thematically linked, with the set comprised of an eclectic mix: a comic road movie; a bleak drama about recession-hit Helsinki and a silent black and white film with a score and title cards.

Each film stars Kati Outinen, who is clearly a favourite actress of Kaurismäki`s, appearing in no fewer than 11 of his films, including `Shadows in Paradise` and `The Match Factory Girl` from volume one. In `Take Care of Your Scarf, Tatjana` she plays an Estonian who convinces an alcoholic and a coffee addict to take her and her Russian friend to a ferry terminal. `Drifting Clouds` sees her as a head waiter who is made unemployed when the restaurant closes and has to find a job during a recession. In `Juha`, she plays Marja, a farmer`s wife who leaves the countryside for the lure of the city offered by a rich man who visits their smallholding.

Each film is well outlined above and there is little else I can say without spoiling them.

Video

Apparently remastered, the anamorphic 1.78:1 transfers are very clear, although some artefacts remain, and the cinematography is well presented. Two are in monochrome, with stark black and white photography, whilst `Drifting Clouds` is similar to `The Underdog Trilogy`, with a muted colour palette.

Audio

Each film has a clear DD Finnish Stereo soundtrack with high-quality optional English subtitles. `Juha` has an optional DD Finnish 5.1 soundtrack, which is marginally superior to the excellent stereo soundtrack.

Features

Surprisingly none.

Conclusion

Aki Kaurismäki is seemingly a regular at European film festivals and award ceremonies - his films are an acquired taste and are better critically received in Scandinavia and Continental Europe than anywhere else. These are not the sort of films that will find homes on the shelves of the casual DVD buyer, which is a shame as they are interesting, beautifully acted and well directed.

My favourite of the three was `Drifting Clouds`, perhaps because it`s what I`ve come to expect from Kaurismäki, as it`s the second part of his `Loser Trilogy`, although `Take Care of Your Scarf, Tatjana` is funny, offbeat and enjoyable, while `Juha` shouldn`t work, but does.

Recommended to those who are interested in trying something new, existing Kaurismäki fans, or those who enjoyed `The Aki Kaurismaki Collection: Vol. 1`.