|
|
|
|
|
 |
The Man Without a Past
Aki Kaurismaki, Finland, 2002; 97 mins.
The old amnesia-plot — a classic
gimmick of many a soap opera and fairy tale, is here given an unconventional
and unforgettable twist in the hands of Finnish director Aki Kaurismaki.
Maybe it's just the cold climate, or perhaps their nation's sad history of
being Russia's doormat, but Finlanders are notorious for a laconic cultural
style and expressionless expression. Indeed, a laughtrack would probably be
helpful for some of the rest of us in identifying a few of the jokes in this
film. But if outlanders can somehow manage to throttle back their own
breathless sensibilities to match sync with the monumentally deadpan
delivery, they'll have no trouble connecting with this odd but deeply humane
little film. The plot features a man on a trip to Helsinki who wakes one
morning into a new life, freed from his own personal history and opened up to
new possibilities. He makes the best of his immediate situation by joining a
community of loveable riff-raff and working at the local Salvation Army,
where an equally stoic spinster officer catches his eye. Suddenly, we're off
like a herd of turtles into the knowing glances and pregnant silences of
Finnish romance. With this film, Kaurismaki has found not only the perfect
vehicle for his (to non-Finlanders at least) off-the-wall humor, but also for
his subtly-beautiful visuals, with faded pastels and his wry camera's eye. A
sauna for the heart.
The Man Without a Past
is part of "Great Awakenings" track of the Featured Screenings program at Flickerings at Cornerstone Festival,
July 1-4, 2004.See complete Schedule
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
