We Need to talk About Kevin

Films, at times can be seen a lot like abstract art – a masterpiece – for those who can relate. Anything, out of the ordinary, no matter what disturbing subject matter if you tickle the critics fancy; well then, the awards are sure to roll in. J

‘We Need to Talk about Kevin’ is probably a film that would never peak my interest but then again as a film-maker and a lover of story-telling one needs to give even the grim and insipid films some time to win you over. This film didn’t win me over but it sure won a lot else – nominated for a Golden Globe with 16 wins and 29 nominations! It goes to show that even if you didn’t make back your $7 million dollars at the box office doesn’t mean you didn’t win the hearts of all who had the stomach to finish watching it.

This 2011, drama, thriller starring the enigmatic Scottish Tilda Swinton and ‘funny-man-gone-straight’ John C. Reilly was written and directed by English film-maker Lynne Ramsay. There was disturbing violence and behaviour, sexuality, coarse language and wild transitions. Deliberately slow in nature and filled with droll characters it took a while to figure out if it was a serious film or not. Once the audience realized that it was really about a psychotic relationship; then it made a bit more sense. I found it hard to relate to because the characters and life situations seemed to be all a dream and then by the middle to the end of the film – I realize that it is simply through Eva’s (played by Swinton) eyes and her point-of-view.

I felt that the story line was filled with potential and that the serious subject matter was cause to really divulge in the drama of the situation - however I felt that they turned the dial down to 2 and felt the characters weren’t as vivacious and passionate to the situation as they should be. I can see though that this film was delicately thought out with incredible amount of time dedicated to even the smallest things; this film had great heart!

Break-out actor 19 year old, Ezra Miller, who’s been on the acting scene since 2008 is sure to have a wonderful future in film. His performance in this movie alone from the spectrum of demented and troubled soul to ball of sunshine all in one take is bloody remarkable! And he holds a calm-coolness and self-assuredness with his characters similar to Johnny Depp and Leonardo Di Caprio.

Probably not my first choice or my last choice; but a masterpiece for those who see it nonetheless! J