If you fancy a night in watching a DVD, then take a look at the selection available at Island Libraries. At just £1.50 per night, they’re a great bargain. Ed
While tapping mischievously on the shoulder of reality and causing a singular and inevitable portrayal of the passing-on of the mortal coil, Ventnor Library ventures in a direction of the more unusual with the release of ‘In Memory of My Father’ originally released in 2005 on DVD.
When the combination of filmmaking combines elements of Dogma ’95’s fascinating rules of low-budget but almost realistic direction and adapts them towards drama, the result is worthwhile and similar to the wonder of such films as ‘Festen’ or even ‘The Blair Witch Project’.
Inspiring work
‘In Memory of My Father’ is well acted and deceptive in its delivery, as it demonstrates completely how inspiring director Christopher Jaymes works. With a freeform style and impressive subtlety, the writing of this film is dialogue detailed and at times more uncomfortably set rather than obviously funny.
The premise of the film is remarkably simple; a gathering wake for a father who dies at home and has requested that a documenting of his death be carried out by his offspring over the hours from his departing. From his demise the result is both touching and chaotic.
Immense soundtrack and acting talent
Avoiding any Hollywood schmaltz or moralistic encoding, ‘In Memory of My Father’ does surprise both with its subject matter and at times is commendable for its immensely beautiful soundtrack, as well as its extremely likeable cast, who show obvious talent, as well as written in a manner that demonstrates how the presence of death may not hinder life continuing as much as the father, in this case, would have wished while he was alive.
Rather than adapting a documentary approach, the film operates with subtle direction and seemingly improvised scenes cut together but mostly set within the interiors of the large house in the Hollywood Hills where the film is set.
The result is well intended and works well enough, with its seemingly hand-held approach and is a stripped-down and continuously dialogue-driven and highly enjoyable, as well as intentionally enlightening film.
