Is De Tijd Geest Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1968)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

In the evolving tapestry of Documentary cinema, the 1968 release of De Tijd Geest stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Protesting youngsters chant slogans such as “Johnson murderer” and sing “Murderer, many people are being killed”. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Documentary are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Protesting youngsters chant slogans such as “Johnson murderer” and sing “Murderer, many people are being killed”. It is the late sixties. In his film, Van der Keuken presents his visual view of the changes in the mentality of a growing group of young people in Western society. He films youngsters who paint their faces and react against the monotonous lives of pen-pushers and civil servants. Their attitude exudes resistance against existing social structures.Van der Keuken exchanges images of protest marches that occasionally get out of hand with charming pictures of nature. He said the following about this film: “In the case of these youngsters, the surrounding violence is turned inside, as it were, and directed at the exploration of personal observations.” (idfa.nl)"

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. The presence of Ewald Vanvugt provides a necessary level of professionalism to the production, even when the underlying script struggles to maintain a consistent tone. It is a testament to their skill that they remain the most engaging element of the film.

The direction by Johan van der Keuken is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 42 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is De Tijd Geest truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Documentary, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, De Tijd Geest explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 1968 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Johan van der Keuken respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, De Tijd Geest is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Ewald Vanvugt or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, De Tijd Geest is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.