The film “Youth” is a symphony for the eyes and ears -a full-length symphonic music video. It's a series of vivid, rich filmic paintings of life, set to rhythms and music that reveal the stories of several fascinating and complex people. Great detail unfolds in each scene, and each element contributes to our understanding of the environment and of the people residing in it. Often these details are revealed in tiny “bytes”, so it's important to pay attention - a glance at peeling paint on the rafters of an elegant Swiss spa suggests it may need a little repair. Bear in mind that you won't know the whole story until the end (and even then, as is in life, you will never really know the “whole story”). The film will keep your curiosity awake as pieces of background are disclosed about each person and space.
You might expect that the film is going to explore the difference between young and old. In fact, there is age and youth in varying degrees in each of the people who inhabit this work.
Michael Caine's character, composer/conductor Fred Ballinger, in his 70's, has more youth in his nature than many of the younger people. We watch him conduct a herd of cows and flock of birds in a melodic symphony of natural sound. His best friend Mick Boyle, played by Harvey Keitel, is an American director, also in his 70's, trying to recapture his youth by working with young screenwriters - who seem to have older souls than composer Ballinger. Jane Fonda, as dynamic diva Brenda Morel (herself, with a pinch of irony), has the energy of a 20-year-old. Paul Dano plays a young thespian intensely focused on studying those around him. He displays wisdom usually attributed to those with great life experience. A teenage masseuse creates a graceful wistful dance in front of her Wii-she's an “old soul”. What is the essence of youth, really? Think about it.
If you are a music lover you can savor this movie just for the sound track. From the haunting strains of Stravinsky's “Firebird” to a cover of Florence & the Machine's “You've Got the Love” to extraordinary orchestral compositions by American composer David Lang (including the cow/bird scene), the soundtrack is superb.
Director/writer Paolo Sorrentino won an Independent Spirit Award and an Oscar for Best Foreign Film in 2014 for his previous work, “The Great Beauty.” For “Youth,” he recruited cinematographer Luca Bigazzi, editor Cristiano Travaglioli, production designer Ludovica Ferrario and composer David Lang from the team who created that film.
“Youth,” is an experience to be contemplated and absorbed. You do have to commit to it and mentally take part in it. It's not a passive display; it's highly existential. We have life - our bodies eventually wear out, yet somehow life continues to go on, as full of energy, beauty, tragedy and emotion as ever. This movie is one that will resurface in your mind for days afterward with its sounds, thoughts and imagery.
Kathryn Whitney Boole was drawn into the entertainment industry as a kid and never left. It has been the backdrop for many awesome adventures with crazy creative people. She now works as a Talent Manager with Studio Talent Group in Santa Monica. kwboole@gmail.com
For previously published reviews see https://kwboole.wordpress.com/.
