Quite a few films premièred at the Minghella Film Festival over the weekend (including Eliminate: Archie Cookson, which OnTheWight sponsored).
Saturday saw Submarine, directed by Richard Ayoade (of IT Crowd, Nathan Barley fame), showing at CineWorld.
Thanks very much to Lois Prior for sending in her review. The film goes on general release this week – Ed.
Submarine: Film Review
If one longs to see something different from the usual factory farmed ‘epics’ that are churned out from the USA, ‘Submarine’ is a breath of fresh sea air.
It’s a coming of age story, showing what happens to 15 year old Oliver, an only child from a slightly dysfunctional family. The film, I guess, was set in the 80’s (there are cassette tapes and video’s) but the era is not reflected in the clothing or music – it could be anywhen in near-modern times.
The characters
Oliver’s father is a lecturer in Marine Biology, slightly ironic as he suffers from bouts of depression which to him feels like being submerged under water. His mother is a slightly neurotic ‘could have been’ who perhaps longs for another life.
Oliver falls for Jordana, a girl in his class, and what we see unfold is a beautiful development of their relationship, although one should add ‘quirky’ into that mixture. Oliver’s new neighbour is an old flame of his mothers and threatens to break the fragile marriage. This and the stress of Jordana’s own family issues eventually come between him and Jordana.
Beautifully written
The script has been beautifully written, the camera work and use of the settings really add a touch of rawness reflected on the emotions of those we are watching and the acting is superb.
There are clever uses of visual references to re-enforce Oliver’s own emotional focus, particularly the use of and references to colour. There are times when one doesn’t know whether to laugh or cry, although I must admit I was smiling most of the way through.
Summary
If you like good cinema and appreciate the finer side of this type of artwork, then this is a film to see.
