This week I've chosen to dazzle you with my views on the critically acclaimed film Submarine. It isn't incredibly recent, but it's one of my favourites and as director Richard Ayoade celebrated his birthday last month, I thought it a great occasion to let you all know my thoughts on it! Never heard of it? Hopefully you'll be desperate to watch it after reading this!
So, here's what's going on...
It's somewhere in Wales in the 1980s, and 15 year old Oliver Tate has two aims: to lose his virginity - hopefully to classmate Jordana - and to somehow keep his parents together, thanks to a weirdy Mystic arriving on the scene. Oliver is played by Craig Roberts ("who?" you may ask?) He's starred in The Story of Tracy Beaker, Being Human, and Young Dracula, to name a few. Ringing any bells yet? Yes? No? Maybe? Either way, his performance in this is utterly brilliant. But anyway, this is what I had to say about the film...
Many teen comedies
portray a rather unlikely, spots-and-problem-free teenager’s life, often
revolving around reputation, looks and sometimes school dances. However,
Submarine is a near perfect example of typical self-consciousness and
frustration that so many of us have experienced, told through the eyes of
Oliver Tate. With his duffel coat, yearning for his love interest, pyromaniac
Jordana (Yasmin Paige), and constant thoughts and questions, he gives off a rather awkward
image which other teenagers can relate to. I also liked how the film is set in
1980’s Wales, and therefore the setting is more simplistic and allows the
audience to focus more on the characters. However, despite the dark and bleak
weather used being a good example of pathetic fallacy, I felt the colours could
have brightened a little in some parts, although Ayoade made a clever choice to
allow Oliver to comment on this mood and weather match; “I stare at the sea,
and stay until the sky catches up with my mood”.
Despite the movie’s comic
moments, it also explores darker issues; the breakdown of Jordana’s father over
the early Christmas dinner breaks up the humour a little, plus this is possibly
the most moving part of the film. Also, Oliver’s observations of his father’s
depression also contribute to the film’s more serious side (Noah Taylor does a fabulous job playing this part). Along with the
great performances of the actors, the mellow dulcet tones of Alex Turner - best
known as the front man of Arctic Monkeys, oh and dating Alexa Chung for a while - compliment the movie and makes for an amazing soundtrack. Overall, this is a brilliant debut piece of work from a
lesser-known director and definitely earns a 5 star rating from yours truly.
Rating: 5 stars - yes, buy the DVD!
Georgie
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