In modern cinema we are overwhelmed with an endless stream of Hollywood films. All too often they’re barking up the same tree and rehashing plots, characters and themes in ways that have been done a hundred times before. Action films overly packed with special effects or romantic comedies filled to the brim with clichéd characters: we are often spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing a mindless way to fill a Friday night. However, this independent film directed by David Mackenzie came to me as a breath of fresh air. This is a love story that unfurls slowly and eloquently and, in the process, makes itself all the more endearing and engrossing to the viewer.
Set in what seems to be the modern United Kingdom, Perfect Sense tells the story of our two main Characters; Michael (Ewan McGregor) and Susan (Eva Green). Very early on they are set up to reveal a troubled past (which duly comes out later), and the way in which this is inferred indirectly by their actions, rather than literally through their dialogue, makes them all the more real to us. We begin to care about their story and want to go with them as things in their world begin to go awry.
The film chronicles the spread of a new disease that has scientist Susan somewhat baffled. It comes with such swiftness that people seem completely powerless against it’ effects. The disease is fantastical and terrifying in its simplicity: the systematic loss of your senses, one by one. Each loss of sense is preceded by an extreme bout of emotion anger, grief etc, and then the sudden loss of the sense.
Although this is the main event in the film, what makes it so special is the characters reaction to it and the way in which the director and cinematographer present it to us.
| Perfect Sense Trailer |
The gritty realism of the filming, the use of quick cut editing, as well as the excellent use of stock footage of riots and violence as well as from locations such as Kenya and India, create a visually enthralling film. The strong musical score by Max Richter also plays a pivotal role in the tension and drama. Its at its most notable at the climax before the loss of the character’s hearing.
Loss of senses highlights the themes in the film for us. For example, Ewan McGregor’s character, Michael, is a chef, a profession that is obviously highly effected by the loss of taste and smell. However, the way in which he and his colleagues in the restaurant he works in deal with the loss of taste and smell, and how they learn to continue with their lives demonstrate one of the strong, underlying themes of the movie a testament to the strength of the human spirit.
However the love story here is the most important. Although the disease takes centre stage initially, it is the romance between Michael and Susan that draws us in and enraptures us. The brilliant dramatic irony, ultimately, is that as the love between the two characters begins to climax so does the chaos of the worldwide effects of the disease. In this lies the tragedy as well as the beauty the revelation of the endurance of the human spirit, and our capacity to love even against the strongest of odds.
Overall Verdict: Perfect Sense is an exquisite film with engaging and enrapturing cinematography and characters that feel real and honest. This sci-fi love story explores universal themes in a refreshingly unique and subtle way that engages the viewer and allows them to reflect on them in light of all we have to lose.
Reviewer: Kevin van der Ham