How Mark Jenkin’s Enys Men Showcases the Power of a Small Cast and Minimalist Filmmaking

Mark Jenkin is a filmmaker like few others, producing work that truly stands out in today’s industry. His 2019 film Bait, for instance, received immense critical acclaim for its creative and unconventional approach to filmmaking. With his latest release, Enys Men, Jenkin has once again managed to create something wholly unique and captivating.

Originally, the filmmaker intended to brand the film as “a lost Cornish folk horror” movie. However, he was ultimately persuaded to drop the description, as the film does not fit neatly into any one genre. Instead of being a “lost” film, it feels more like an unearthed magical relic from another era.

1. Why did Mark Jenkin decide to drop the descriptions of his film as a “lost Cornish folk horror” film?

Mark Jenkin’s Cornish psychodrama, Enys Men, has been touted as an exceptional cinematic experience and is likely to sweep viewers away. The film, which was released in 2019, has been lauded for its haunting atmosphere and captivating visuals. Yet, despite the film’s supernatural and folk horror elements, Jenkin decided to drop the descriptions of his film as a “lost Cornish folk horror”. By doing so, he eschewed the genre conventions of horror and instead crafted a unique, meditative experience. As Jenkin himself stated, the film is “not about horror, it was about atmosphere, emotion, history and the future.

2. How does the trailer of “Enys Men” give off an ‘ultra-creepy’ vibe?

Mark Jenkin’s Cornish psychodrama, “Enys Men” has been the subject of much anticipation, and the trailer has done nothing to diminish that. Viewers are immediately thrown into an ultra-creepy atmosphere, with a feeling of intense dread lingering in the air. The atmosphere is further compounded by the lack of music and the use of dark, sepia-toned visuals that provide a stark contrast to the picturesque Cornish landscape. The visuals, combined with the eerie soundscape, create a deep sense of unease and a foreboding atmosphere that is sure to transport viewers to a different time and place.

3. What does “Enys Men” evoke that makes it feel like an unearthed magical relic?

Enys Men, the highly acclaimed Cornish psychodrama directed by Mark Jenkin, is said to be a truly captivating experience. It has been praised for its unique style and its ability to transport its audience to a timeless era, as if it were an unearthed magical relic. The film is set in a small fishing village in Cornwall, which is the last place to have resisted the onslaught of modern life. Its camera work, which combines archival footage with contemporary scenes, creates a mesmerizing atmosphere that evokes the timelessness of the rural south-west of England. While its plot is largely grounded in reality, the film also features an element of the supernatural, with an ancient Cornish myth providing an added layer of intrigue.

4. What is the significance of the word “folk” in relation to the story of “Enys Men”?

The film Enys Men, directed by Mark Jenkin, is a psychodrama set in a small Cornish fishing village. The story follows the life of a traditionalist fisherman, who is deeply rooted in the customs of his ancestors. The use of the word “folk” in relation to the story of Enys Men is highly significant. It is a term used to refer to a group of people sharing a common culture, language, or other characteristics, and is often used to describe a community of shared traditions, values, and beliefs. In this case, the word “folk” is used to refer to the inhabitants of the fishing village, who have a strong sense of community and shared values that have been passed down through generations.

Quick Summary

In conclusion, the writer-director’s spellbinding follow-up to Bait captures a mesmerizing landscape and the juxtaposition of a complicated individual past. The lone wildlife volunteer on an island off the coast of Cornwall is undoubtedly deeply haunted by the events of his life and by the gorgeous and disquieting beauty of his environment. It’s a truly captivating story that highlights not only the power of nature, but also the courage and resilience that lies within us all.