Living (2022) Dir: Oliver Hermanus
Instagram post:
This Oliver Hermanus film is based upon Akira Kurosawa's 1952 melodrama 'Ikiru', and takes place in a contemporary time period, although in an English setting. I was, before watching this, aware of the acclaim that 'Ikiru' has accrued, though I have not seen it, so I was interested to see how this would come across.
The first thing I must commend was the beautifully filmed opening credit sequence, which wonderfully utilised archival footage of London to the entrancing sound of Antonín Dvorák's stunningly iconic 'Tempo di Valse'. In fact, the whole soundtrack to the film is immaculate - it is both powerful in its emotion and judiciously chosen.
Hermanus and his cinematographer Jamie D. Ramsay utilise a 1.48:1 aspect ratio, which feels contemporary of the time period, and, with the use of negative format codex, illicits a real sense of comfort and sentimentality.
In terms of shot selection, there was nothing spectacular or innovative, but each shot was well placed, well framed and allowed a focus on the cast, without the background ever feeling totally unimportant or dull.
The story is a beautiful combination of melancholy and heartwarming - I found myself smiling for a great deal of it, though much of it was a sad smile, though only because the film intended it so. It was endearingly soft and patient in how it told its story. It was leisurely paced, but I never felt bored. On the contrary, it was lovely.
I think the way Bill Nighy portrayed his character was rather beautiful. He conveyed so much emotion with such poignancy and subtlety. I would say that it was a true testament to his craft.
Aimee Lee Wood was as delightfully endearing as she ever was in her breakout role in 'Sex education'. She has this likeability to her that isn't prevalent in too many others. She had some truly charming scenes with Nighy especially.
I enjoyed the performance of Alex Sharp in his supporting role, my only slight qualm was that he lacked a little charisma. What I mean is that he was a little too easy to forget. It was a quiet role, but even so, I felt he was perhaps a little too quiet. That said, I believe he was still enjoyable.
Additionally, I also enjoyed the supporting performances from the likes of Tom Burke, Adrian Rawlins, Oliver Chris and Hubert Burton, who all had small but relatively important parts to play, and did so very well.
Overall, I found this to be such a delightful film. The story was told could be forgiven for being considered inconsequential, but I would say it was refreshing in its simplicity and softness. It was simply a pleasant, heartwarming film - one which I enjoyed very much.
Comments