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"The Worst Wars
Begin At Home" |
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Directed by Tim Roth -
Written by Alexander
Stuart
Starring Colin Farrell,
Ray Winstone, Tilda
Swinton, Lara Belmont
Distributed by Lot 47 -
1999 - 98mins - Rated R |
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Richard Propes'
Review
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A+ |
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Perfection. |
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I speak often of
"trigger films" on here when it comes to those who experience Post
Traumatic Stress Disorder. Whether it comes from experiences on 9/11,
war experiences or childhood experiences, it has been my experience
that a powerful cinematic presentation can often provide one of the
most powerful triggers of all in re-living the trauma of the past.
As a sexual abuse survivor, there is, quite simply, no film that has
impacted me with the intensity, emotion and wholeness as Tim Roth's
"The War Zone," a 1999 film that centers around an alienated teenager
whose family moves out of London into the country. The teenager,
masterfully portrayed by Freddie Cunliffe, must come to grips with a
dark family secret between his father and sister. Watching Cunliffe
attempt to, at first remain silent regarding this secret THEN simply
attempt to control his emotions is one of the most emotionally
harrowing experiences I've had while watching a film. While watching
this film, I found MYSELF wanting to explode and scream and condemn
those in my past. Under no circumstances is this a film that a sexual
abuse survivor should watch alone. Period.
Of course, "The War Zone" of the title is the home, or even more
specifically the family. This film is hauntingly realistic in its
creation of a family built upon lies and betrayal and mistrust.
Wisely, Roth chose not to censor the truth and instead presents the
truth with a straightforward approach that is emotionally and
physically exhausting.
The film's father is portrayed by the incredible Ray Winstone, whose
performance here is one of frightening simplicity. Winstone's father
is not a monster, but instead simply a father living in his own war
zone who has betrayed all around him. It is a precise, understated
performance that lays to rest all the myths and stereotypes about
those who abuse sexually.
As Mum, Tilda Swinton gives one of her many wondrous performances in a
performance that is horridly sad and dark. Likewise, Lara Belmont
shines as a young teen girl who is resigned to her truth and lives
life more as the shadow of her true self. In a supporting role, Colin
Farrell continues his admirable dedication to independent film and
brings greath depth to what could have been an insignificant role.
Roth directs much in the same way I direct theatre. It's a rather "no
holds barred" approach that is both exhausting and exhilarating. The
cinematography for "The War Zone" is stellar with a sort of gray tone
seeming to appear over much of the film giving this overwhelming sense
of darkness even in moments of great light. It is as if Roth is
reminding us that the truth of this family cannot be glossed over. In
fact, the cinematography of this film reminds me of what I found
missing from "Blue Car," another film centering on sexual abuse that I
greatly admire. "Blue Car" constantly felt like it was trying to
temper the intensity of the subject by creating a lighter, brighter
atmosphere. In other words, the production design never felt like it
truly fit the subject. It's not that I want an absence of hope...on
the contrary, though, the hope must come from within the characters
and not in the environment. For sexual abuse survivors, this is a key
truth...even if they cannot change the truth of their lives they can
change what is within them. Tim Roth beautifully portrays this by
creating an environment of shaded colors and great intensity while
allowing the characters to live out their own journey. It is a
magnificent choice even as the young teenage male in question makes
very challenging choices.
"The War Zone" is, in my opinion, the best film ever created on the
subject of sexual abuse/family violence. It is a chillingly painful
film to watch, relentless in its truth and vivid in its vision. With
painstaking detail, Roth creates a family that perfectly details the
dynamics and effects of family violence as the greatest tragedy of
all. |
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© Written by Richard Propes -
Email Me! |
TC Candler's Comment
This is
very powerful film, weighted by some
tremendously brave performances. I can't
say the film was easy to watch... It requires
work on the part of the viewer. "The War
Zone" is a film that everyone should see once...
However, I doubt many will ever want to see it a
second time.
Jacob Hall's
Comment
n/a
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