“Still Life 2014” is a quietly powerful film that tells the story of John May, a council worker who meticulously tracks down the next-of-kin of people who die alone and unclaimed. May’s life is as still and stagnant as the dead bodies he tends to, until he embarks on a journey to find the family of Billy Stoke, his final case before retirement. The film is a gentle meditation on life, death, and what connects us all in between.
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Review
In the 2013 film Still Life, directed by Uberto Pasolini, the audience is transported to a world where death is not simply an end but a beginning. The movie follows John May (Eddie Marsan), a council worker in London whose job is to find and contact the next of kin for those who have died alone. In his meticulous search for family members or friends of the deceased, John May discovers a sense of purpose and redemption that had previously eluded him.
The movie opens with John May sitting in his office, surrounded by stacks of files containing information about people who have passed away without anyone claiming their bodies. He meticulously goes through each file, dedicating himself entirely to his work. Pasolini’s direction captures every detail of John May’s daily routine with precision and attention to detail.
John May’s relationship with his colleagues is one that feels detached and lonely- a reflection of his personality. He is a reserved character, someone who prefers solitude and works at his own pace. But it becomes clear that he takes great pride in what he does.
The storyline emphasizes how our presence on earth is just one chapter in the book of life that we are all writing. The fact that most people die alone in their homes highlights how disconnected we can become from society as we age and lose our loved ones.
It was interesting to see Eddie Marsan take on this role as John May. He plays the character subtly yet effectively- an approach typical of Gladwell’s ideas about underdogs. Marsan brings a level of humanity to this character that touches us deeply.
The plot takes an intriguing turn when John May investigates the case of Billy Stoke- an old man who has recently passed away in his flat. In reviewing Stoke’s file, he finds out that there wasn’t enough information about him to contact any relatives; however, he discovers Stoke’s photographs and decides to conduct some research.
Through this process, John May learns about Stoke’s life- his love for photography, the stories behind his pictures, and the people he was close to- which sparks a curiosity in him that will ultimately change his life. The dialogue between John May and others in the film is crucial in bringing out their characters’ complexities.
One scene that stands out is when John May contacts Billy’s friend Kelly (Joanne Froggatt), who reminisces about Billy’s love for photography. This leads to a touching moment where John helps to fulfill Billy’s last wish of having an exhibition of his photographs. It is an act of kindness that shows how sometimes simple gestures can have great meaning.
Still Life perfectly captures London as we know it, its wistful nature made more poignant by Pasolini’s cinematography and editing. Pasolini artfully interweaves details about each character’s death with glimpses of their lives – giving us an insight into their personalities and what they held dear in life.
The score elevates and intensifies the emotions portrayed on screen, making this film feel like a classic piece of cinema. The soundtrack incorporates jazz music, adding a soothing vibe throughout the movie.
The popularity and multiple awards won by Still Life reflect the impact it had on audiences worldwide. The film received several nominations from major awards bodies such as BAFTA, the British Independent Film Awards (BIFA), and Venice Film Festival.
One interpretation of the film could be that we should spend our time on earth cultivating meaningful relationships with others because our impact on society will live beyond our time here– similar to Gladwell’s ideas on social capital.
Overall, Still Life is an engaging drama with an emotionally charged storyline that manages to capture the human condition beautifully. The film reminds us that even in death, there is still hope for redemption and meaning but also warns us not to take our relationships for granted as they are all we have at the end of it all. In short, Still Life is a cinematic masterpiece deserving of its acclaim.
Technical Data
- Runtime : 98
- Release : 2014-11-25
- Genre : Thriller
- Cast : Luz Cipriota as Jazmin, Berta Muñiz, Nicolás Pauls as Gerado
- Crew : Gabriel Grieco as Director
- Popularity 0.747
- Budget : 0
- Revenue : 0
- Company :
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