Untitled (How High the Moon): A Poetic Journey Through Memory and Art

Rashida Bumbray’s short film, Untitled (How High the Moon), released on November 17, 2024, isn't just a film; it's a whisper of memory, a brushstroke of magic on the canvas of childhood, and a profound exploration of identity seen through the prism of art. This isn't a narrative driven by plot twists and dramatic confrontations, but rather a lyrical meditation on the transformative power of museums, particularly the Metropolitan Museum of Art, on the imagination of a young Black girl. Bumbray weaves a spellbinding tale that transcends simple storytelling, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in a world where reality and fantasy intertwine, where art comes alive, and where the past echoes in the present. More than just a film review, this is an invitation to experience the subtle, yet powerful, magic that Untitled (How High the Moon) offers.

Plot: A Tapestry of Memory and Imagination

The film's plot, if one can call it that, isn't linear in the traditional sense. It's a series of vignettes, loosely connected by the recurring image of a young girl, clearly representing Bumbray's mother, visiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Each visit is not just a passive viewing experience; it's an active engagement with the art. The film doesn't explicitly state the time period, but subtle cues in the costumes and the general ambiance suggest the mid-20th century. We see the girl wandering through the museum's halls, her eyes wide with wonder. The camera lingers on specific artworks – a bust of Nefertiti, a vibrant Impressionist painting, a powerful African sculpture – each acting as a catalyst for the girl's imagination.

The "magical realism" element isn't heavy-handed; it's subtle and beautifully integrated. Statues seem to subtly shift, paintings seem to breathe, and the girl's interactions with the art blur the line between observer and participant. She doesn't just look at the art; she enters into it. We see fleeting moments where she seems to become part of the artwork, her movements mirroring the pose of a figure in a painting, her expressions reflecting the emotions conveyed by a sculpture. These moments are not presented as extraordinary events, but rather as the natural consequence of a child's unfettered imagination and her deep connection to the art. The film culminates not with a grand revelation, but with a quiet sense of understanding, a realization of the profound impact these museum visits had on shaping the girl's identity and her perception of the world.

Characters: Reflections of Identity and Art

The characters in Untitled (How High the Moon) are more archetypal than fully developed personalities. They serve as vessels for exploring the film's themes rather than driving a complex narrative. The young girl, the central figure, is less a character and more a symbol of innocence, curiosity, and the transformative power of art. Her wide-eyed wonder and her open receptiveness to the art are what make her so compelling. She's not burdened by cynicism or preconceived notions; she approaches the art with a pure, unadulterated sense of awe.

Other characters, such as the museum guards and other visitors, are largely background figures, adding to the film's atmosphere but not playing significant roles in the "plot." However, their presence is important in establishing the museum as a space of both public access and quiet contemplation. They represent the diverse audience that art serves and the shared experience of engaging with cultural heritage.

Perhaps the most important "character" in the film is the art itself. The artworks are not merely props; they are active participants in the narrative, shaping the girl's perception and influencing her imagination. The film carefully selects specific artworks that resonate with themes of identity, representation, and cultural heritage. The inclusion of African art, for example, speaks to the importance of visibility and representation for a young Black girl navigating a predominantly white space. The art becomes a mirror, reflecting back to her a sense of belonging and connection to her own cultural heritage.

Direction: A Poetic and Evocative Vision

Rashida Bumbray's direction is the film's strongest asset. She doesn't rely on conventional storytelling techniques; instead, she employs a poetic and evocative approach that prioritizes mood, atmosphere, and visual storytelling. Her direction is characterized by a keen eye for detail, a masterful use of light and shadow, and a deep understanding of the power of visual symbolism. She creates a dreamlike atmosphere that perfectly complements the film's themes of memory and imagination.

Bumbray's choice to avoid a traditional narrative structure is a bold one, but it ultimately pays off. By eschewing a linear plot, she allows the film to unfold organically, like a series of interconnected memories. This approach creates a sense of intimacy and invites the viewer to actively participate in the construction of meaning. The film doesn't tell you what to think or feel; it creates a space for you to have your own personal experience with the art and the memories it evokes.

Her directing choices also elevate the film beyond a simple recounting of childhood memories. The deliberate pacing, the lingering shots, and the subtle use of magical realism all contribute to a sense of timelessness and universality. The film transcends the specific context of Bumbray's mother's experiences and speaks to the broader human experience of encountering art and finding oneself within it.

Cinematography: Painting with Light and Shadow

The cinematography in Untitled (How High the Moon) is breathtaking. The film is visually stunning, with each shot meticulously composed and beautifully lit. The cinematographer (unnamed in available sources but deserving of high praise) uses light and shadow to create a sense of depth, texture, and atmosphere. The museum's grand halls are bathed in soft, diffused light, creating a sense of reverence and awe. In contrast, the close-up shots of the girl's face are often illuminated by a single source of light, highlighting her expressions and drawing the viewer into her inner world.

The camera movements are deliberate and graceful, often gliding through the museum's halls as if floating on air. This creates a sense of fluidity and seamlessly connects the different vignettes. The use of slow motion and close-ups further enhances the film's dreamlike quality and allows the viewer to fully appreciate the beauty of the art and the expressiveness of the actors.

The color palette is also carefully chosen to reflect the film's themes. The muted tones and earthy colors of the museum's interior are contrasted with the vibrant colors of the artworks, creating a visual tension that mirrors the interplay between reality and imagination. The use of color is particularly effective in the scenes where the girl interacts with the art, as the colors seem to intensify and become more vibrant, reflecting her growing connection to the artwork.

Performances: Evoking Emotion Through Subtlety

The performances in Untitled (How High the Moon) are understated but powerful. The young actress playing the girl (again, unnamed in readily available information) delivers a remarkable performance, conveying a wide range of emotions through subtle gestures and expressions. Her eyes are particularly expressive, reflecting her curiosity, wonder, and growing understanding of the art. She manages to capture the essence of childhood innocence and the transformative power of imagination without resorting to overly dramatic or theatrical displays.

The other actors, playing minor roles such as museum guards and visitors, also deliver solid performances, contributing to the film's overall atmosphere of realism. Their performances are natural and unforced, creating a sense of authenticity and grounding the film in the real world.

It's important to note that the film relies more on visual storytelling than on dialogue. The actors' performances are primarily conveyed through their body language and facial expressions, which adds to the film's overall sense of poetry and visual richness.

Themes and Messages: Identity, Representation, and the Power of Art

Untitled (How High the Moon) is rich in themes and messages, exploring complex issues of identity, representation, and the transformative power of art. At its core, the film is about the importance of seeing oneself reflected in art and culture. For a young Black girl growing up in a predominantly white society, the experience of visiting a museum and encountering images that reflect her own cultural heritage can be profoundly empowering. The film suggests that art can be a source of affirmation, validation, and self-discovery.

The film also explores the power of imagination to transcend boundaries and create new possibilities. The young girl's ability to enter into the art and interact with it on a personal level demonstrates the transformative potential of imagination. Art is not just something to be passively observed; it's something to be actively engaged with, something that can spark creativity, inspire new ideas, and broaden one's perspective.

Furthermore, the film touches on the historical context of museums and their role in shaping cultural narratives. Museums have often been criticized for their lack of diversity and their tendency to perpetuate dominant narratives. Untitled (How High the Moon) subtly challenges this critique by highlighting the importance of representation and the need for museums to be more inclusive and accessible to all.

The title itself, "How High the Moon," is laden with meaning. It alludes to a sense of limitless potential and the boundless possibilities of the imagination. It suggests that art can elevate us, transport us to new realms, and allow us to see the world in a new light.

Comparisons: Echoes of Memory and Imagination

Untitled (How High the Moon) shares thematic similarities with other films that explore the power of memory and imagination, particularly those that focus on childhood experiences. Films like Pan's Labyrinth (Guillermo del Toro) and Beasts of the Southern Wild (Benh Zeitlin) also use magical realism to explore complex themes through the lens of a child's perspective. However, Untitled (How High the Moon) distinguishes itself through its specific focus on the transformative power of art and its exploration of racial identity within the context of a cultural institution.

In terms of visual style, the film evokes the works of directors like Terrence Malick, known for their poetic and evocative use of imagery. The film's emphasis on atmosphere, mood, and visual storytelling aligns with Malick's approach to filmmaking. However, Bumbray's film has a distinct voice and a unique perspective that sets it apart from Malick's more epic and philosophical works.

Considering this is a short film, direct comparison to feature-length films is limiting. However, in terms of its focus on Black experiences within cultural institutions, it resonates with documentaries like Black Is...Black Ain't (Marlon Riggs) and fictional narratives that explore the complexities of race and identity. Bumbray's film offers a more subtle and poetic exploration of these themes, focusing on the individual experience rather than broader social commentary.

Positive Aspects: A Masterpiece of Visual Storytelling

Untitled (How High the Moon) is a triumph of visual storytelling. Its strengths lie in its breathtaking cinematography, its evocative direction, and its subtle yet powerful performances. The film is a masterclass in creating mood and atmosphere, and it effectively uses magical realism to explore complex themes in a nuanced and engaging way. The film's focus on representation and the transformative power of art is particularly resonant in today's cultural climate. The film is a beautiful and thought-provoking work of art that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

The film's brevity is also a strength. Its concise runtime allows it to focus on its core themes without becoming bogged down in unnecessary plot details. The film's lack of dialogue is also a positive aspect, as it forces the viewer to actively engage with the visuals and interpret the meaning for themselves.

Constructive Criticism: Areas for Potential Improvement

While Untitled (How High the Moon) is a remarkable achievement, there are a few areas where it could be improved. The film's lack of a traditional narrative structure might be off-putting to some viewers who prefer more straightforward storytelling. While the film's ambiguity is intentional, it could benefit from a slightly clearer sense of purpose or direction. Perhaps a more explicit connection to Bumbray's mother's actual experiences could have added another layer of depth to the film.

Additionally, the film's reliance on visual storytelling could be a drawback for some viewers. The lack of dialogue might make it difficult for some to fully grasp the film's themes and messages. While the film is visually stunning, it could benefit from a more developed soundscape to further enhance the atmosphere and create a more immersive experience.

Finally, the limited availability of information about the cast and crew is a minor frustration. The film's success is a testament to the talent of everyone involved, and it would be beneficial to have more information about their contributions.

Conclusion: A Poetic Meditation Worth Experiencing

Untitled (How High the Moon) is a poetic and evocative short film that explores the transformative power of art and the importance of representation. Rashida Bumbray has crafted a visually stunning and emotionally resonant work that will stay with you long after the credits roll. While the film's lack of a traditional narrative structure might not appeal to all viewers, its beauty, its depth, and its message make it a truly unforgettable experience. It's a film that celebrates the power of imagination, the importance of cultural heritage, and the profound impact that art can have on shaping our identities. It's a film that encourages us to look at the world with fresh eyes and to find beauty and meaning in the everyday. It is a must-see for anyone who appreciates art, poetry, and the power of visual storytelling.

Rating: 9/10