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First, the Recap:
Superiority. We would like to believe that as human beings, we represent the top of a highly proverbial food chain, the dominate species on our planet, the creators of all things good, perhaps even believing we can do no wrong. While we know so many of these notions are untrue, admitting this to ourselves is something altogether more challenging and painful to admit than we would ever let on. Sometimes, it is the humbling experience of coming face to face with just how much we fall short of perfection that might cause us to pause a moment and take into account precisely what truth there is in how much damage we cause focusing on one thing rather than a greater good.
A remote island somewhere non-descript is a setting that finds one particular man, a lifelong aboriginal in a life apart from the rest of the world, who assuredly feels that his place in the circle of existence might just be all about himself, his needs, his quandries, his overt sense of ego-driven purpose which drives him to hunt and gather the fish that sustain him, nourish him, and allow him to continue simply being. Yet, on this day, as he goes about his usual routines, all seems well until forces beyond his expectation begin to close in about him, suddenly reminding him that not only is he not alone, but that there truly is more harm than good which will befall him in the state of un-enlightenment he’s thrived in for far too long.
Next, my Mind:
There is no getting past the absolute nature of obscurity and unflinching, purposeful ambiguity which fills the viewer’s senses when it comes to this short film effort from director Katrin Olafsdottir an offering finding its time to shine as a part of the 2019 High Coast Film Festival sponsored by and/or in association with Illambra, Kramfors Kommun, Film Vasternorrland, Europeiska Unionen, Region Vasternorrland, Lansstyrelsen Vasternorrland, and NBV. At first, this critic freely admits being totally lost and a tad confused as to what exactly the point was to the narrative, which is executed almost entirely without dialogue with the exception of specific moments of voiceover narration that presents an equally enigmatic message. Yet, being willing to bear with it and try to dig into the film’s primary premise, one comes to ascertain that it really is a baseline tale of just how ignorant we are as people when it comes to showcasing how we rule our own individual universe with such arrogant aplomb that we ultimately lose sight of just how faulty our self-centeredness really is, even as the environment, the very world around us, crumbles, shattered by our mindlessness, and poisoned by all the elements we introduce to it that only continue to invoke an atmosphere of waste that fully endangers all life on our world.
Here, this point is actually quite cleverly (although again, no less oddly) portrayed via the sea life and oceanic vistas that the primary character’s world is encompassed by, making the point of how our unawareness is quickly becoming our undoing, costly and foolish, as we still seem to only care about ourselves rather than anyone or anything else. It’s a bold, blunt statement housed within a mostly idyllic visual shell, yet one cannot help but be impacted by it once you’ve allowed the gist of the film’s themes and intent sink in a bit as the story unfolds. When will we be more cognizant of just how fragile the world is around us and be willing to acknowledge we could do a much grander and more proactive job at protecting the gift of this Earth? Will it take having to face the consequences like this man shown here, or will we wake up and realize we have a choice to initiate change before we do indeed become prey to all which we’ve hunted–ourselves. In addressing the overall visual scope of the film, it is very engaging with its depictions of beauty the ocean holds and the tranquility of its island setting, while likewise painting the picture of the underlying environmental message in an impactful way without being preachy or too, funny enough, self-serving. Now, I will also admit my view of what this film is about may be totally off, but isn’t that the innate wonder of the creative arts–having its intended points yet open to further exposition?
I would normally begin to venture into the specifics of the actors at this point, but due to certain inability to get clear translation of the film’s credits, I wasn’t able to determine the exact character names and associated actors in a way that would allow me to do the kind of justice I like to when it comes to explaining due appreciation for these thespians striving to find their voice in independent cinema. It can certainly be said that the lead actor whom the story centers on did a wonderful job given he had no spoken dialogue, relying solely on body language, actions, and reactions to events and surroundings to carry us as the viewer along and interpret to the best of our ability his adventures and plights. Seeing the subtle nuances he provides as his character’s self-confidence is slowly chipped away until the ultimately understanding that this time, he has indeed become the hunted is well done, too. Supporting turns arrive from several actresses who, I felt, represent the very presence of nature, innocent and ever-watchful, almost like unseen guides that are ushering the man through his journey, trying to be that small voice in his mind, beckoning him to awaken and be taught how his sense of self is leading him to brokenness.
In total, “Je M’Aime (I Love Myself)” certainly stands as an example of indie cinema to the core with its oddity wielded as a badge of honor and its sometimes veiled, sometimes obvious messages held high on quirky wings. For this critic, it shows us why we need to allow chances for indie filmmakers to have their day in the sun, not because they all will find a guarantee of higher success because of it, but more because the creative capacity of human beings deserves to be celebrated, no matter how obvious or perplexing. This is medium to do this, and festivals such as this are the platform to given it all life.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
