MovieChat Forums > Still Life (2013) Discussion > A masterpiece! Everyone should see it

A masterpiece! Everyone should see it

posted 10 years ago by TheCroppyBoy
14 replies | jump to latest

This is the movie I have been waiting my whole life to see. A deeply moving study of loneliness and decency, it should be seen by everyone. If any film deserves to make money, this is it. The ending completely took me by surprise and I was left a blubbering mess, barely keeping control. If you are not moved by Still Life, I think I would question your compassion and empathy.

To those in control of such things, please make sure this gets released everywhere. And a big PLEASE to US distributors: please, Please, PLEASE pick it up so Eddie Marsan is at least eligible for Oscar consideration. His performance is just wonderful! Still life is a truly beautiful film.

If she weighs the same as a duck, she's made of wood.

[–] Doc-Fan 10 years ago

Agree 100%. This is the best film I've seen all year. Why is it still on the film festival circuit? I picked the film tonight because of Eddie Marsan - I've never been disappointed in his films. He is outstanding in "Still Life".
Found the film very peaceful to watch - not depressing; "John May" is a simple man who enjoys his work (doing a job few would want to) and does everything in his power to get the job done before "closing a file". While the ending is shocking (I was reaching for my tissues), it is the perfect ending.

[–] VanBooter 9 years ago

Yup no argument here totally agree, Eddie Marsan nailed it

[–] JRConsidine 9 years ago

There is another simple reason to appreciate this film. A highly regarded actor in the U.K.can make a film like this because of the efficient, condensed approach that they have to the business of filmmaking. The Americans are catching on (thanks to cable television).. In the UK, busy actors in demand like Joanne Froggatt and Eddie Marsan can find the time to make this film while not interfering with their primary obligations. Just for fun, this film adds a splash of Andrew Buchan to the story to good measure. The result is a marvelous story that showcases the actors talents and the audience departs with a good chance they will find themselves reflecting on the movie in the future. A "win-win" for all concerned.
The USA used to bang out/wrangle/squeeze 26 episodes out of a typical television series. The television series actors were then removed from consideration for over half a year. Plus for as long as I can remember, the actor who starred in a television series needed to appear in a Hollywood to show the world that they had audience appeal. The successful career paths of George Clooney, Jennifer Aniston, or Leonardo DiCaprio come to mind as actors who chiseled their way to the top of the Hollywood hills. I''m not sure if in reality this was more "escaping television" rather than "moving on" from television. Whereas, the great actors of the UK who have climbed the heights of , er say Solsbury hill such as Bill Nighy, Dame Judith Dench or Benedict Cumberbatch can move between television, the stage and the silver screen without anyone deciding that their career is sliding or growing in stature. If Clooney, Aniston, or DiCaprio would appear in a television series, it would be the story of the year for some Public Relations firm.
Might the reason for such disparity on the Atlantic's left coast be because American television has been so bad for so long? Perhaps if we didn't squeeze 26 episodes a year from a television production crew and settled for 4, 6, or 8 shows, we might have something worth watching? It worked for HBO and Showtime who have been imitated by cable based networks AMC, FX, and USA that will stretch the prudish American standard of "good taste'. I think we will find that the less "good taste" that is imposed on the viewing market, then the less need exists for the other cable networks to force non-traditional sexual relationships in an effort to fill a void. In other words, any sexual relationship that occurs should be a natural consequence of the dramatic narrative rather than a need to fill a vacuum. I will be the first to admit that my American sense of cultural balance was set tipsy from the cross racial relationships. Three cheers for Europa! It took no time at all for me to not feel anything with "cross-anything" relationships since a relationship exists between people not a skin hue or sexual orientation. America is catching on, slowly, but we'll get there.
Perhaps the world's #1 fictional character in the movies is the MI-6 sleuth, 007 James Bond. The fictional character may be the only character who could stand alongside the Queen in a short feature during the 2012 London Summer Olympics. If Daniel Craig should appear on the telly next year, his presence would be welcomed, but the hands on the clock whose chimes belong to Big Ben will not stop from the event.

You can always count on Americans to do the right thing after they've tried everything else/Sir Winston Churchill

[–] ShyLivesMatter 9 years ago

Agreed. Just found out about this movie earlier this week when it showed up on my On Demand "New Releases" menu. Looked good, so decided to take a chance. Watched and thought it was a bit slow going at first (probably fixed by a re-watch which I definitely plan to do!), but yes, very beautiful and moving. Related so much to the main character, mostly his loneliness, thoughtfulness, and desire to connect with others.

The scene where he got laid off at his job "you're very thorough but also very slow" - can't tell you how much I related. Probably the same way people felt about me at my last job. Only difference being I quit, couldn't take their BS anymore. Couldn't take the stress of being a square peg in a round hole anymore, trying to live up to all their demands in this Type A, extroverted, cynical, "get it done yesterday" world that doesn't have much time for those who are different (introverts, shyness, sensitivity, innocence, empathy, dreamers,...). If that's weakness, so be it - I'd rather be seen as "weak" but also honest and real.

Just never related much to the strong personalitied/strong willed "Alpha" types and don't care to. They seem to care about morality, black and white type worldview, but not care much for kindness. Just seem to judge others as weak/lacking like they judge characters like this on imdb. And seem to be blinded by such things as confidence and charisma, seeing that as the be all/end all...that kind of Social Darwinism. Those people have always seemed a bit cold, calculated, and fake for my taste...they kind of creep me out :-) Would rather be myself.

But yeah, can't imagine what all my old co-workers and bosses must have thought of me, aside from one boss who actually called me a "turtle" - well, I don't miss them either (and just so you know, I tried to get help for anxiety and be transferred to a less stressful job, but it didn't work out, so I really did try to be strong and hang in there - I think some people just aren't meant for the 9-5 world, not strong enough or whatever). But I'd love to work at a job where I'm appreciated for being me. The OP mentioned compassion and empathy? Anyone know a good job for a compassionate empath dude (who's also an introvert)? :-)

Anyway, I was worried I'd spoiled the movie for myself, since before watching, I came here and was dumb enough to click on the topic "Very similar to Under the Skin" where a lot of the ending is given away. Kind of a douche thing to do IMO, whether he meant to or not. Hopefully he edits his topic title before too many other people have this wonderful film spoiled, but if/until he does, I figured I'd mention it here too, try to warn people as well. Because I'm thoughtful like that :-)

And as for that ending, though it was kinda spoiled (when I felt "that part" was coming, I was thinking to myself "no, no, no!!!", actually yelled that out loud, I've definitely watched too many movies and felt it coming lol), the very last part of the ending touched me, too and still kinda choked me up, spoilers or not. If it doesn't get to you - you may not have a heart.

Also, I was worried this would be one of those Secret Life of Walter Mitty type movies that seem to say its bad or "wrong" somehow to be an introvert, but luckily it wasn't like that. Even after the main character seemed to make a connection with the woman towards the end, he still seemed to stay an introvert at heart and stay true to himself, still soft spoken and awkward, not "trying to win her by changing who he was" or anything (people shouldn't have to)...which I appreciated :-) Hate it when misfit people in movies always conform and become "normal" or "grow up" at the end - even happens in most indie movies. Since it seems to suggest its somehow "wrong" to be yourself. Just seems like propaganda from an extroverted society/world that “who you are isn’t good enough and you need to change/conform. ”Luckily that didn't happen here :-)

But yeah, it can be tough being "different" in this world. And, of course, when you try to say something like that online, people are so cynical that most times they won't believe you, think you're "pretentious", and find other ways to make you feel misunderstood. Though on the bright side, thank God I've found indie movies like this over the last few years about flawed, awkward, quirky, and broken yet good hearted people trying to find their place in this world (the type that "normal" people might see as a "loser", though I don't believe in that term), so I feel less alone and still feel connected to humanity. Maybe that's my purpose, helping people like me (if there are any lol) feel less alone...or at least trying to. So in that way, yeah, I'm definitely a bit like the main character, eh? :-)

Sorry for the novel and the rant, its just this topic is obviously so close to my heart I can't help but go on and on :-/ And I don't see anyone else saying this stuff, so I feel I have to. At least I posted it on the board of a movie I've already seen, usually I do it for movies I haven't even seen yet and don't know if I'll even like lol Another great indie movie I watched recently about misfit, good hearted people trying to connect and find their place in this crazy modern world: The Giant Mechanical Man.

"That's the theme of my movies: The victory of the battered idealist in a cynical world."

[–] antivist 9 years ago

i agree wholeheartedly. thank you for sharing what many of us feel.

i like the line "The victory of the battered idealist in a cynical world" ;)

any more title suggestions to see?

[–] kennethdower 9 years ago

I know a great job for you, writing.

[–] sou300 9 years ago

Thanks for your thoughts, Silentlaughter. And for your motto "The victory of the battered idealist in a cynical world."

Peace and love.

[–] excalibur212 9 years ago

Dear SilentLaughter,

I'm sure many of the people who see the film (myself included) share similar feelings as you. Have you ever taken the Myers-Briggs Personality Type indicator test? My guess is you're an INTJ or something close to that, like me and millions of others. You may also be what's known as an HSP, or Highly Sensitive Person, and you may find solice in reading up on this and some of Elaine Aaron's work on the subject. We are not alone. There are millions others like us in the world. And once you accept your introversion and worldview as something that makes you special and unique, it is no longer a burden to carry but a part of you that you will come to embrace.

Odd as it may sound, after about 12 years of unhappily job hopping around in various jobs and the corporate world and all its *beep* and buearacry where I always felt misunderstood and frustrated by the politics and social norms of all those in the workforce around me, I finally found happiness in my career by forcing myself to do the complete opposite of all my introverted instincts: I got my real estate license. This has turned out to be the most stable "job" I've ever had, and I've been working "for myself" for the past 7 years (although technically you must work under a broker your first few years, from day one you are technically an independent contractor and really work for yourself). I went off on my own this year, and started my own company. :-)

You may find working for yourself, or as an independent contractor or consultant in some capacity, is your path to happiness. It will free you from most of the daily grind and constraints of a "real job", and you'll be free to be your own person once again.

I haven't had a "real job" in 7 years, and I've never been happier about my decision to leave the traditional workplace behind. It was the best decision I ever made in my life.

:-)

[–] bruce-129 9 years ago

> My guess is you're an INTJ or something close to that, like me and millions of others.
> You may also be what's known as an HSP, or Highly Sensitive Person,

That is very interesting. I wonder does everyone who responds to this movie have a
similar profile, or can you profile people by what they feel about this movie.

I liked the movie, but the ending, though clever, bothered me. It made the whole movie
a kind of trick.

[–] ciprianl 9 years ago

I thought it was a study of dullness. I must confess I haven't seen it in its entirety, only about half of it - and I present this as proof that I don't have any grudge against slowly developing films, provided that they move somewhere, that there is a kynesis; otherwise the producers of this film could have managed a similar effect by taking a photograph of the main character's sorrowful only expression and presented it to the public as the finished product of their art.

[–] taxvictim 9 years ago

SPOILERS

I can't agree this is a masterpiece. Though I have been a fan of Marsan's since his supporting role in "Gangster No. 1", this movie was a little TOO slow, and his character a little too one dimensional. It was great to see his character trying a few new things, like hot chocolate, but the "surprise" ending was too formulaic and unnecessary. It reminded me of Michael O'Donohughe's comment (former SNL and movie writer) who said, when you don't know how to end the movie, just have everyone get hit by a truck.

[–] rkhen 9 years ago

For the record, the only criticism I agree with here is the ending. Seems like filmmakers sometimes fall for that European conceit that "tragedy equals depth". Sometimes things turn out, lads. However, the complaint about the character's face is invalid. That was entirely part of the director's plan; when at last the character cracks a smile, it's like a fanfare, alerting the audience that things have changed. If Marsan hadn't held the same mournful expression in every scene of the film till then, this would not have worked.

[–] enrvuk 9 years ago

I disagree, the ending isn't tragic. Death is part of life and not always 'tragic'.

[–] cuechick 8 years ago

I just watched this movie for the 2nd time and I loved even more than the first. I noticed things I missed the first go round and even I knew the ending I cried just as much if not more. Beautiful perfect film.