The most challenging times bring us the best art. Or at least, that’s what we tell ourselves, balancing the struggles of the modern era with the hope of achieving something from it. This year’s array of film award contenders shows that our current difficult times have inspired diverse, far-reaching responses to the predicaments we face, but even the most seemingly dissonant films can have thematic resonance. These themes are particularly poignant at the BFI London Film Festival, one of the last major film festivals of the awards season. After opening with Rian Johnson Knives Out: Waking the DeadThe 10-day festival is an artful meditation on faith, showcasing a variety of stories from around the world. At the heart of almost everything is a reflection on two ideas: loss and isolation.
Loss is most evident in Zhao Ting’s film Hamnet and Clint Bentley’s train dream—A story about the tactility and beauty of grief, and how we continue to walk in the world after losing a child (also something with feathers). Classic films by Kaouther Ben Hania Voice of India Rajab The depth of grief that the death of a young person can manifest is similarly explored, but it feels more like a call to arms than a quiet meditation. Based on real events and using real audio, this documentary tells the story of a six-year-old Palestinian girl who was killed by Israeli forces, confronting viewers with the reality of war, ceasefire or not. This is a film about what we have lost, and about what we will continue to lose.
As several films this year have acknowledged, grief doesn’t just exist for people. father mother sisters brothers, emotional value, high line, father and son and sea anemone grappling with fragile family relationships while the rest of love, Is this thing open? even Springsteen: Save me from nowhere Confronting dissipated romance head-on. Some, like Bradley Cooper, are effortlessly charming Is this thing open?asserting the possibility of reconciliation. Maybe any relationship is worth trying again. Richard Linklater’s work is small but striking blue moon Consider another type of loss: artistic identity. Ethan Hawke stars as songwriter Lorenz Hart, who, just months before his death, accepts his fate of failure on the night of his former creative partner Richard Rodgers’ successful opening. Oklahoma!
Hart-Rogers disconnect at heart of tragedy blue moonsuggesting that we may fear isolation more than loss. Grief is often short-lived and lessens over time, but the lack of human connection can last a lifetime. Thoughtful film of light rental home Brendan Fraser stars as an American living in Tokyo, far removed from his culture and previous life. He is alone, which prompts him to take a job pretending to be connected to other isolated people. back seatFestival standout and filmmaker Harry Leighton’s feature debut shows that it’s only by being honest about who we are and what we want that we can discover true connections. The film is also helped by Harry Melling’s performance as a young British gay who finds solace in a submissive relationship with a motorcycle gang leader. Sexual orientation aside, we are not as far apart as we think.
Lynne Ramsay’s research shows loneliness isn’t always solved by the presence of others die my lovea positive look at women’s mental health. As a postpartum woman with bipolar disorder, Jennifer Lawrence is wild and completely confused, even when she’s with her husband and children. She tries to ground herself with sex, alcohol, and even violence, but she’s so disconnected from herself that there’s nothing to hold on to. exist age of water“Imogen Poots” is the directorial debut of Kristen Stewart, who plays real-life writer Lydia Yuknavitch, who also uses matter and sex as a way to ground herself in reality. Although this doesn’t work, Lydia eventually discovers that writing is a way to connect and free herself from past trauma. exist useless personThe film, another highlight of the festival and the debut feature from British filmmaker Carl McManus, follows prisoners who have a forced bond but can only escape their crimes by standing up for themselves. As McManus explores through his protagonist (played by rising actor David Jonson), shared circumstances may not unite us.
Although Palestinian history and identity are prominently and significantly displayed during the festival Voice of India Rajab, Palestine 36 and Hassan in Gazaa distinct lack of overtly political films this year. This is not the year of war epics or presidential biopics, but of more intimate stories that emphasize the personal over the political. Despite being united through the internet and social media, we often feel alone in our struggles and experiences. Movies remind us what we share and why we share it, especially during turbulent times like these. As many filmmakers and screenwriters are currently exploring, loss and isolation affects everyone around the world. The spotlight this awards season is on human stories about human emotions and human fears, told in unique ways that are captivating and sometimes haunting. As the BFI London Film Festival line-up highlights, this is a particularly good year for film. Ideally, it will leave a record of a specific thematic moment in modern history—one where we knew what was to be lost, and we were willing to face it anyway.
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