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"On A Clear Day
This Would Still Be A
Funny Photo" |
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Directed by Gaby Dellal
- Written by Alex Rose
Starring Peter Mullan,
Brenda Blethyn, Ron
Cook, Billy Boyd,
Benedict Wong
Distributed by Focus -
2006 - 98mins - Rated
PG13 |
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Anything is possible. |
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"On a Clear Day" is a
simple film that got largely overlooked during its brief arthouse
circuit run this past April.
The film stars Peter Mullan ("Miss Julie" and "The Magdalene Sisters")
as Frank, a lifelong boatyard worker whose unexpected lay-off forces
him to deal with unresolved grief over the drowning death of his son
years earlier and life in a family he's largely ignored by working 12
hours a day, five days a week.
After an anxiety attack finds him being treated for depression, the
avid swimmer Frank comes up with the inane plane to swim the English
Channel.
In the hands of an average cast, "On a Clear Day" would be merely an
average, inspirational movie of the week. With the remarkable Mullan
in the lead, Brenda Blethyn as his wife and a remarkable supporting
cast, "On a Clear Day" transcends its rather predictable storyline to
create a heartfelt, incredibly movie story of a man coming to terms
with the life he lives, the choices he's made and the dreams he
continues to chase.
Mullan is spot-on perfect as Frank, a man who tries hard to wear a
mask publicly of pride and normalcy. The truth is, however, Frank is a
man who blames himself for his son's death and who finds himself
unable to deal with life when he finally has to do so. It would have
been an easy choice to plummet Frank into a deep, devastating and
anti-social depression, however, Mullan wisely takes a more subtle,
realistic route in showing a man whose uncomfortable humor often hides
the true feelings inside.
As his wife, Brenda Blethyn offers yet another marvelous performance
in what could have been quite the thankless role. As a woman whose own
dreams are just coming into fruition as she decides to follow her own
dream of learning how to drive a city bus, Blethyn's portrayal of Joan
is simultaneously strong and yet amazingly vulnerable. In particular,
a scene in which Blethyn and Mullan are having dinner when Blethyn
confronts him on the previously undisclosed plans for the swim is
filled with simple, yet vivid images and rich, authentic emotions.
Frank finds himself supported by a rather motley crew of friends,
including the likes of Chan (Benedict Wong), Norman (Ron Cook, Eddie
(Sean McGinley), and the slightly jealous Danny (Billy Boyd). While
the character development is a tad weak, each actor does do a nice job
in their own right of developing characters who seem right at home in
Frank's life. Quirky? Absolutely, but it's easy to understand why
Frank values them so much AND why they are so loyal to Frank's dream.
"On a Clear Day" will play better, I believe, for those who can
identify with its themes of loss, friendship and searching for hope
and redemption. The ending, while a tad "feel good" is also
appropriately shaped so that it transcends emotional manipulation and
achieves emotional resonance.
The film's score is remarkably subtle, as well, which allows the
audience to simply be an observer in the drama instead of forcibly
drawn into it.
The cinematography of David Johnson complements Gaby Dellal's
direction nicely. While Blethyn's frumpy costumes initially bothered
me, I found myself resonating well with her changes throughout the
course of the film. Likewise, while the use of flashbacks can often
been cheap and manipulative, Dellal's use here advances the story
nicely and provides needed character exposition. Dellal, unexpectedly,
also uses a couple physically challenged actors whose presence also
balances nicely with Mullan's and advances rather than manipulates the
story.
"On a Clear Day" captured the BAFTA Scotland Award for "Best Film,"
and is a great view for those who can appreciate simple film-making
that is both "feel good" and authentic. Thanks to its stellar cast,
"On a Clear Day" is a film of tremendous vision and beauty. |
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© Written by Richard Propes -
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