Memoria (2021)
One morning, Jessica Holland, a Scottish orchid farmer visiting her sister in Bogotá, is woken by a loud ‘bang’. This haunting sound dispels her sleep for days, calling into question her identity and guiding her from recording studios to secluded jungle villages in an attempt to find its source.
Film Overview"Memoria" is a 2021 film directed by Apichatpong Weerasethakul, a prominent Thai independent movie director. The movie features Tilda Swinton, a Scottish starlet understood for her diverse roles in both arthouse films and blockbusters. "Memoria" marries Weerasethakul's signature design of slow movie theater and magical realism with Swinton's outstanding efficiency to paint an unique cinematic experience embeded in Colombia.
PlotTilda Swinton plays Jessica Holland, a British horticulturist living in Colombia, awoken due to a loud 'bang' that just she seems to hear. Persuaded that she isn't experiencing an acoustic hallucination, she embarks on a journey to understand the source of the sound. Through her pursuit, she comes across distinct characters, including a sound engineer, a drummer, and a group of fish scale scavengers, assisting her deeper into the heart of the Colombian landscape.
Themes and StyleThe film's central style revolves around memory and senses, specifically sound, with the persistent 'bang' driving Jessica's journey. Weerasethakul weaves a peaceful story with long stops briefly and natural noises, producing a slow pace that triggers the audience to immerse themselves in Jessica's experience. The transcendent 'bang' embraces the film's undertaking of wonderful realism, explaining the mysterious via fantastical components and its connection to memory and sensory experience.
Important Reception"Memoria" got positive reception from critics, praising Swinton for her compelling efficiency as the lead character. The movie was appreciated for its dreamlike narrative and gentle approach to storytelling. Though the slow-burn story may challenge the typical viewers' persistence, fans of Weerasethakul's previous works value the meditative exploration of memory and sensory understanding. The movie was chosen for the Palme d'Or at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival. However, due to its experimental and slow-paced nature, some viewers may discover it less appealing.
Conclusion"Memoria" is a Foray into an audio-visual expedition of time, memory, and the human senses. It's an avant-garde film that paves the way in demonstrating how far cinema can reach when it comes to presenting human understanding and awareness. The tranquil Colombian landscape and Tilda Swinton's moving efficiency offer the film an edge of quiet, sensory bound beauty.
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