Leviathan, 2012.
Directed by Lucien Castaing-Taylor and Véréna Paravel.
Starring Declan Conneely, Johnny Gatcombe, Adrian Guillette, Brian Jannelle, Clyde Lee, Arthur Smith, and Christopher Swampstead.
SYNOPSIS:
Off the coast of New England commercial fishermen apply their trade in the same waters where one of the most famous creatures in literature roamed, Moby Dick.
Though it is stated in the title of the documentary no biblical sea monster threatens the survival of the men operating above or below deck and that’s a pity. Opening in the darkness of night with occasional streaks of white to break the blackness one initially thinks that an ink sketch has been brought to cinematic life. A surreal atmosphere is created with the saturated colours of orange, red, and yellow populating the interior of the commercial fishing vessel. With all the abstract imagery on display it was not surprising to learn that the Anglo-French helmers Lucien Castaing-Taylor and Véréna Paravel have had their work exhibited at the New York’s Museum of Modern Art and the British Museum in London.
Occasionally, the camera submerges itself beneath the menacing waves to give an underwater perspective such as the seagulls diving for the fish refuge dumped overboard. The grungy ship conditions combined with the fishermen smoking cigarettes while handling the catch of the day makes one consider exploring a more hygienic source of food. The handheld camera results in a shaky exploration of the ship but it never seems to move with any sense of purpose; when the imagery does settle down one wonders why it was so important to see a fisherman watching an off-screen television fall asleep.
The multitude of extreme close-up shots featured in the French/UK/USA production tosses the viewer into the middle of the activity; however, the vantage point becomes so restrictive it is more disorienting than engaging. One never gets a sense of who these men are and why have they chosen a profession that sees them defy the forces of nature on a daily basis. There are hardly any moments of interaction among the crew members which would have helped to personalize them. What did standout was a tight shot of an arm-length tattoo of a well endowed and bare breasted mermaid; now that was a striking image.
Minimal dialogue means that it is up to the pictures to convey the story. If only the camerawork could have been as dramatic and immersive like the rollicking soundtrack which brings to life the pounding of ocean waves. Sometimes I felt that the camera was the star of the show rather than the people and the activities being portrayed on the big screen. With all the drudgery and routine on display one could not help but wish for Moby Dick to rise from the literary pages to provide a whale of a tale to tell.
Flickering Myth Rating: Film ★ / Movie ★
Trevor Hogg
Originally published August 27, 2012. Updated April 14, 2018.
