THE VOICE OF THE WATER

Netherlands, 1966, 90 minutes, Colour.
Directed by Bert Haanstra.

The Voice of the Water is a celebrated documentary by noted Dutch filmmaker Bert Haanstra. It has a considerable reputation for its technical achievement as well as for its portrait of Holland and the Dutch people.

It was three years in the making, with a great deal of local photography, taking advantage of seasons, of moods, of weather. There is an emphasis on realism as well as the beauty of Holland and the place of water - the North Sea, the rivers and canals and the low-lying land - always the potential victim of water.

The importance of the editing for pace and drama is notable. There are many expert collage effects - enticing an audience into a mood and experience of the land, its people and the water rather than mere observation of them. Nevertheless it has strong documentary realism. In fact, the film could be called a portrait of land and people.

There is a focus on the land and the fact that it is low-lying, that Holland is a small country, of the importance of the dikes against the sea, saving the reclaimed land, protecting the rivers. There is a bit of a tourist touch with the film - some cliches although an ironic tone towards travelogue.

The main character is the water and the Dutch people are seen in relationship with it. The water as surrounding, the land withstanding it. The people mastering it e.g. swimming, fishing, races and storms, rescues, trade. There is a blend of delight, beauty. There is a focus on sport. However, the film has some very dramatic sequences highlighting the destruction of the '50s and the growing pollution.

Haanstra has made an excellent documentary - but has made a film significant for his national industry.