We went to see The Visitor, having loved The Station Agent. One of those films that gets harder and harder to explain the more I try. Like describing a dear, old friend without sounding trite and superficial.
The preview gives a good sense of the joy. What it misses is the unplumbable sadness that roots the joy. There is so much told with throwaway lines, a gesture, a look, subtly building up stories behind the choices. A sadness that overtakes all of them, without completely extinguishing hope.
I came out crying, unable to stop for the grief, for the love among these characters, and the loss they all know too well, and too often. I have to imagine that they all find a way back to each other, that they find a haven, one that isn't America anymore. That these four broken, but great hearted people who keep on loving, knowing the agony, but still reaching out, over and over, will find a home.
Generosity, compassion, trust, grief, inspiring all their lives, as they open their arms to each other.
It's about the injustice of the immigration policy in the US today. Or the injustice of governments who destroy innocent lives. Mostly, it's about those people, who strive to connect and survive and love.
It's also about music and friendship. It's funny and warm and smart, with a thin thread of hope.
6 comments:
Oh, I want to see that. Other US friends have recommended it highly. It opened in London this week.
(o)
Ooh, I just saw The Station Agent for the first time last week, after years of always forgetting to get around to it.
thankyou for this Z. I watched the clip, will see it now. Thankyou.
Pacian,
Did you like The Station Agent?
Jean,
Don't expect snappy and fast, it takes it's time.
herhimnbryn
Richard Jenkins makes for an unusual hero.
Yes, yes I did. It does what the best American indie films always do: puts you in a time and place and makes it and the people who live there feel real.
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