Thought-Provoking Cinema: A Rediscussion
Original Publication 13/01/21
Spoilers ahead!
The absence of cinema was just one of many notable absences in 2020, a year marred by uncertainty and unfamiliarity (see The Cinema and the Absence of my Happy Place for more musings). But one would be remiss in suggesting there was nothing of cinematic merit to emerge from the depths of an otherwise creatively uninspired year. Indeed, what we received was a condensed number of genuinely thoughtful and provocative features that flew under the general limelight. Perhaps the currently less conspicuous presence of Hollywood (and the mismatch of quality that emerges from their studios) has allowed for an influx of films made with sincerity and dramatic conviction? I would argue there's more to it than that.
Influenced by a range of deep and personal emotions brought on by the events of the pandemic, we, as an audience, have become more receptive. Devoid of the everyday distractions of modern Western life, we've witnessed these films through a unique set of eyes. Those complex and often intimate themes that we associate with cinema have evolved to an almost unprecedented level of genuine emotional resonance. In short, because of how much of a precious commodity cinema has become.
What follows, curious reader, is three films that led me to these assertions. May the cinema of 2021 follow a similarly courageous trend. One can only hope.
Nomadland (Chloe Zhao 2020)
Photo courtesy of Searchlight Pictures
A wonderfully real fusion of fiction and documentary storytelling by writer/director Chloe Zhao, Nomadland follows Fern (played with fierce authenticity by the ever-versatile Frances McDormand) as she embarks on a journey through the American West, adjusting to her life as a modern-day nomad.
The film is gorgeous to behold, with beautifully striking wide-angle shots laced throughout, but what stands out most prominently about this wonderfully compassionate picture is the honesty in which it tells its central story. This isn't simple escapism, nor is it romanticism, but a film that asks poignant, life-affirming questions of its audience.
Another Round (Thomas Vinterberg 2020)
Photo courtesy of Samuel Goldwyn Films
Danish director Thomas Vinterberg's second collaboration with the phenomenally talented Mads Mikkelsen is a delicately engaging social drama. The film follows four disillusioned high school teachers who test a theory that they will improve their lives by maintaining a constant level of alcohol in their blood.
Abstaining commendably from the path of hysterical desperation, Another Round explores the rather complex theme of alcohol abuse through character context and a certain underlying sadness. This is a film with flawed, genuine characters and a sense of honesty at its core.
Soul (Pete Docter and Kemp Powers 2020)
Photo courtesy of Pixar Studios
For a studio that consistently tackles intelligent, adult themes, Soul can be rightly considered as Pixar's most mature film yet. The story follows Joe (Jamie Foxx) a jazz pianist who has lost his passion for music. Transported out of his own body, he searches for a way back with the help of 22 (Tina Fey) a young soul searching for her own purpose in life.
The film explores the pursuit of artistic integrity and creative inspiration, gliding along at a pace that's quirky and synonymous with jazz. At the centre of its highly amusing and stunningly intricate story, is a poignant reminder not to sacrifice the joys of living for the chasing of one's dreams.