One to see: Genova (2008)
December 11th 2009 05:54
I don't know how I managed to miss this absolute gem of a movie, but somehow it didn't pop up on my radar until last week. Better late than never I suppose! Genova is a beautiful, intelligent film that will speak to anyone who has ever lost a loved one in tragic circumstances, and it does so without using the conventional Hollywood heart-tugging techniques. This is what makes it so real, and ultimately, so very effective as a dramatic work of art.
Genova received mixed reviews when it was first released, largely due to director Michael Winterbottom's unconventional methods (if you've seen Wonderland with Val Kilmer and Kate Bosworth, you'll know what I mean!) It starts out strongly adhering to the plot then it sort of drifts away from it, leaving the audience unsure of where the story is going, and with little to no resolution at the end. I personally love it when films do this, but it won't be everyone's cup of tea, particularly if you prefer your movies well-defined and precise.
That being said, even the most tradition-loving moviegoer will be able to appreciate the raw emotion that Genova conveys without slipping into hyperbole. Many reviewers used the word "subtle" when describing the drama, and with good reason.
The story begins with a tragic scene in snowy Chicago, where 16-year-old Kelly (Willa Holland) and her younger sister Mary (Perla Haney-Jardine) are involved in a car accident that claims the life of their mother (Hope Davis). Their grief-stricken father Joe (Colin Firth) impulsively decides to move them all to Italy for a year, to the city of Genova: "new country, new city, new start" being the mantra. The family soon finds, however, that moving on from an untimely death is not as easy as simply fleeing to Europe.
While the confident and charming, yet deeply troubled Kelly finds solace in marijuana and flirting with the local boys, Mary retreats into an inner world of imagination and music. She begins to have visual hallucinations of her dead mother, while being racked with guilt at having "caused" her death. The hallucinations worsen over time and lead to a dramatic life-or-death climax. Both actresses turn in a remarkably authentic, and very engaging performance.
As would be expected from such a celebrated actor, Colin Firth's performance is just about perfect: he's completely convincing in his role as the head of a bereaved family. Joe is a man doing the best he can to keep his daughters close while allowing them to grow in this new city, learning new things about themselves and the world as they come to terms with so great a loss. Firth's character throws himself into his new teaching position at the local university, whilst tentatively engaging in friendships with students and reconciling with his old college friend Barbara (played by the wonderful Catherine Keener). Despite Joe's hesitant leanings towards finding a new love, it becomes apparent by the end of the film that his heart is closed and that he cannot be rushed through his healing.
Genova is beautifully shot and there is plenty of symbolism to behold, particularly that of the dark, winding labyrinths within the city that are, paradoxically, both dangerous and comforting to the characters within the film. Much of the time, it is the scenery that tells the story, rather than the dialogue: this film doesn't assume its audience to be incapable of making the necessary connections. It's never obvious, which is what I really loved about it, but at the same time its inconclusive nature may annoy some audiences, particularly those who are accustomed to the traditional Hollywood formulas.
But if you're among the group of moviegoers who doesn't need every detail tied up in a neat little package, then I'd recommend that you give Genova a go. It's a really insightful look at how different people deal with loss, set against the backdrop of this most ancient and mysterious Italian city.
Genova received mixed reviews when it was first released, largely due to director Michael Winterbottom's unconventional methods (if you've seen Wonderland with Val Kilmer and Kate Bosworth, you'll know what I mean!) It starts out strongly adhering to the plot then it sort of drifts away from it, leaving the audience unsure of where the story is going, and with little to no resolution at the end. I personally love it when films do this, but it won't be everyone's cup of tea, particularly if you prefer your movies well-defined and precise.
Colin Firth as Joe, a widower who brings his daughters to Italy
That being said, even the most tradition-loving moviegoer will be able to appreciate the raw emotion that Genova conveys without slipping into hyperbole. Many reviewers used the word "subtle" when describing the drama, and with good reason.
The story begins with a tragic scene in snowy Chicago, where 16-year-old Kelly (Willa Holland) and her younger sister Mary (Perla Haney-Jardine) are involved in a car accident that claims the life of their mother (Hope Davis). Their grief-stricken father Joe (Colin Firth) impulsively decides to move them all to Italy for a year, to the city of Genova: "new country, new city, new start" being the mantra. The family soon finds, however, that moving on from an untimely death is not as easy as simply fleeing to Europe.
Joe, Mary and Kelly at the funeral
While the confident and charming, yet deeply troubled Kelly finds solace in marijuana and flirting with the local boys, Mary retreats into an inner world of imagination and music. She begins to have visual hallucinations of her dead mother, while being racked with guilt at having "caused" her death. The hallucinations worsen over time and lead to a dramatic life-or-death climax. Both actresses turn in a remarkably authentic, and very engaging performance.
Perla Haney-Jardine as Mary, and Willa Holland as Kelly
As would be expected from such a celebrated actor, Colin Firth's performance is just about perfect: he's completely convincing in his role as the head of a bereaved family. Joe is a man doing the best he can to keep his daughters close while allowing them to grow in this new city, learning new things about themselves and the world as they come to terms with so great a loss. Firth's character throws himself into his new teaching position at the local university, whilst tentatively engaging in friendships with students and reconciling with his old college friend Barbara (played by the wonderful Catherine Keener). Despite Joe's hesitant leanings towards finding a new love, it becomes apparent by the end of the film that his heart is closed and that he cannot be rushed through his healing.
Firth's performance has been named 'one of the best of his career'
Genova is beautifully shot and there is plenty of symbolism to behold, particularly that of the dark, winding labyrinths within the city that are, paradoxically, both dangerous and comforting to the characters within the film. Much of the time, it is the scenery that tells the story, rather than the dialogue: this film doesn't assume its audience to be incapable of making the necessary connections. It's never obvious, which is what I really loved about it, but at the same time its inconclusive nature may annoy some audiences, particularly those who are accustomed to the traditional Hollywood formulas.
But if you're among the group of moviegoers who doesn't need every detail tied up in a neat little package, then I'd recommend that you give Genova a go. It's a really insightful look at how different people deal with loss, set against the backdrop of this most ancient and mysterious Italian city.
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