Movie No. 54 (2015): MOMMY
Mommy (2014)
Director: Xavier Dolan
Cast: Anne Dorval, Suzanne Clement, Antoine Olivier Pilon
In French, with English subtitles
"Mommy" is an interesting story about a never-say-die widow, whose nickname is Die, and her teenage son (Steve) who has ADHD. The mother-and-son relationship is semi-turbulent, but they always mend occasional bouts of heated verbal exchanges, because they love each other. Then a neighbor enters the picture during one incident. In no time, the neighbor becomes part of their system, who becomes the equalizer. Together, the three forge an interesting relationship.
Director: Xavier Dolan
Cast: Anne Dorval, Suzanne Clement, Antoine Olivier Pilon
In French, with English subtitles
"Mommy" is an interesting story about a never-say-die widow, whose nickname is Die, and her teenage son (Steve) who has ADHD. The mother-and-son relationship is semi-turbulent, but they always mend occasional bouts of heated verbal exchanges, because they love each other. Then a neighbor enters the picture during one incident. In no time, the neighbor becomes part of their system, who becomes the equalizer. Together, the three forge an interesting relationship.
This character study will surely linger. I like the way it depicts ADHD as a cry for help and not much as a behavioral disorder. It's mother's love and random kindness of stranger that are under scrutiny in a world where people are indifferent.
I was quite bothered by the films aspect ratio: it's square, probably 1:1. Then, at a little more than an hour of running time, Steve ceremoniously makes it wider via a cinematic gesture of opening a curtain to reveal a wider stage during a scene where the three are having real fun, oblivious of the world. Then the aspect ratio would occasionally shift from 1:1 to full screen and back depending on the mood that the narrative wished to portray. Impressive.
Rating: 4.0/4.0
Date seen: October 4, 2015
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