| RATING: | 80% |
| FORMAT: | DVD |
A peculiarity of Western culture is its inability to live in the present. The ever present political pressure to live in the future based upon the delusions of the past dominate the here and now. This situation is reflected in the central character here who cannot renounce his dreams of a better future while having no real future to boast of. He retreats into an emotionally-detached mode of living that does not work - and never could. Yet, like us all, he cannot remain an island and also live a full and enjoyable life - no matter how hard he tries. Only in the desire to relinquish his life does he begin to come alive - as does the film - which becomes a matter-of-factly imagined collection of beautiful and intensely-savored moments.
The style is strongly Hitchcockian, complemented by a musical score that quotes Bernard Hermann. Like an older generation of American filmmakers, the music conveys much of the mood, while the acting is largely a set of glowingly photographed conversations between intimates. The suspense comes from not knowing if the central character is going to kill himself or whether he will see the light. The only deficiency here is the focus on emotional effects but not enough on causes.
Colin FIRTH gives his all in this one as does the always magnificent Julianne MOORE. This is the kind of character driven film first rate performers such as these get so few opportunities to appear in - more’s the pity. An existential melodrama that will suggest the best way of getting through the best and worst of days.
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