Film review: The Life of Fish
The climax in this film is not an action; it is a conversation between Andre (Santiago Cabrera), and the love of his life, whom he left behind and has a lot to say to
Like in fashion and art, it's always harder to master the simplest form in film.
When one works on representing a raw concept, the outcome is either an amateurish attempt or a masterpiece. There is no in-between.
The Life Of Fish is definitely a masterpiece. Its simplicity and flow tricks you into thinking that it took a day for the director to figure it out and this is where its beauty lies: it is effortless.
The film follows Andre (Santiago Cabrera), a travel writer, who hasn't been back home in Chile in a long time as he wanders into his friend's birthday party and encounters people he once was close to.
The climax in this film is not an action; it is a conversation between him and the love of his life, whom he left behind and has a lot to say to.
All in one setting and running on real time, The Life Of Fish relies on flawless dialogue, great acting talent and, most importantly, great filming technique to grip its audience. Halfway through the film, you feel like you're one of the characters, wanting to hear their reasons, regrets and every word they have to say.
Director Matias Bize uses every simple act like washing hands and going down the stairs so artfully to convey a mood. You never see the full setting. It is always close-ups on the characters, recording their every eye movement. Those real expressions make it hard to believe they are being acted.
Subtle and intense at the same time, the film shows that there is no need for big cameras, digital and sound effects, fights, screams and tears to create a great drama. Drama is simple. It's in the details of everyday life and in this film, in the most intense two hours of someone's life.
Don't Miss it
Can't make it to Abu Dhabi to watch the film? The Life Of Fish and two other films are on offer to watch online for free. Log on to mubi.com/programs/59
