ARTS: FILM 17
THE FOUNDER February 2022
Belfast: A Beautiful Coming of Age Story ANANYA KRISHNA | CONTENT WRITER
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enneth Branagh’s Belfast offers a fitting, though unconventional, childlike take on the troubles in Northern Ireland. Following a young boy named Buddy and set in 1969 Belfast, the film follows a Protestant family navigating the unrest in Northern Ireland while Buddy’s father (Jamie Dornan) is away in England working. Unlike a usual historical film which captures the pain and despair of such a tumultuous part of history, Branagh’s Belfast takes a similar route to Taika Waititi’s Jojo Rabbit where he explores the horrors through the lens of a younger character. While Buddy from Belfast is more of a modelling on Branagh’s own childhood, it still captures how civil unrest and religious disparity shapes a young person’s life. The movie also acts as an ode to life before 1969 in Belfast and the entire movie is coloured by this nostalgia. From the first scene to the credits, this movie serves as a brilliant ode to Belfast and to Branagh’s own childhood.
We are at a point in cinematic technology where black and white film is a plot device rather than any necessity. Poorly used, it is more annoying that moving, especially if there are technicoloured scenes also present in the film. Yet in Belfast this is never poorly used and in fact is the perfect medium for a film of such heavy subject matter that, considering the age of the protagonist, doesn’t always focus on it. No matter whether you are watching a lighthearted scene of Buddy pining after a girl in his class or spending time with his grandparents, the black and white film makes sure you never forget what is happening in the background. The few scenes of colour are done beautifully with one scene of Buddy and his grandmother (played by Dame Judi Dench) watching a movie in colour while their world is in black and white, the small detail of having the movie’s reflection in Dench’s glasses alone shows the incredible attention to detail present throughout the film. Despite any criticisms of Branagh’s handling of the civil war, the beauty of the film cannot be disputed by anyone.
Maid: A Discourse on Domestic Violence ZAHRAA AHMAR | CONTENT WRITER
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buse is not linear, ‘It grows like mold’. Maid is a true story based on Stephanie Land’s memoir. The series follows a 23-year-old Alex (Margaret Qualey) as she navigates her way out of an abusive relationship, the troubles of shared custody with her ex-partner, providing for her daughter as a single mother, as well as attempting to look after her unmedicated mother who is diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
Anyone who has little to no knowledge of Ireland between 1969 and 1998 should read up a bit on it before watching the film. While it’s not heavily centred on the actual events of 1969 Belfast, it will still make the whole experience less confusing. Speeches may seem a bit long and repetitive at times and this translates to the movie sometimes, yet it does make the story seem more realistic and less beautified. The movie doesn’t ever try to pander to the audience and therefore doesn’t make you feel like you’re lost in another world. It was made with a purpose and is uncompromised in its aim which makes it feel that bit more authentic. It doesn’t exclude audience members though, the exact opposite, for while you may not understand everything going on, you know your place as an observer. You feel every bit of pain, joy, sadness, and despair, and so if for no other reason, watch this movie to celebrate
Even though Maid revolves around Alex, the only time the viewer is directly and explicitly exposed to her thoughts are through a voiceover of her writing, perhaps mirroring her lack of voice in the abusive relationship. Metaphorical symbols like this are present throughout this breathtaking series. It showcases how abuse causes destruction in other areas of an individual's life such as self-esteem which is evident in Alex’s characterization. The series operates on a ‘show instead of telling’ basis. It offers the viewer a direct insight into the character's point of view creating a sometimes unnerving and somewhat chaotic viewing experience.
Source: IMDb
The dark imagery and faded voices placed when Alex is being abused shifting into clearer sounds and a lighter atmosphere when she finds peace elevates the viewing experience. Instead of having scenes where there is a verbal explanation of a character's feelings the director opted for a more creative decision. This can be seen applied to other characters too such as Alex’s mother, Paula, played by Andie MacDowell. Paula’s debilitating bipolar disorder is unveiled through camera movements like close-ups into her distressed face or master shots when the breaking point of her mental illness occurred.
