As I delve deeper into the captivating world of French cinema, I find myself utterly mesmerized by Robin Campillo’s latest masterpiece, “Red Island.” The film takes us on a profound journey through his childhood memories, painting a vivid picture of life on a French military base in Madagascar during the 1970s.
Robin Campillo adopts a deeply personal narrative in his new film titled “Red Island“. Instead of a broad perspective, he transports us back to his own childhood on a French military base in Madagascar during the early 1970s, shortly after the Malagasy Republic had declared independence from France. This historical context plays a crucial role in understanding Campillo’s latest dramatic piece, but he provides an accessible starting point through the character of 10-year-old Thomas (Charlie Vauselle). We experience this era of significant change, sorrow, and rage primarily through Thomas’ youthful perspective, which offers both benefits and challenges.
In the story titled “Red Island“, we delve into the life of Thomas’ family, who seem to be leading a contented existence within a military base in Madagascar. Thomas’ father, Robert (Quim Gutiérrez), holds a low position but harbors aspirations for advancement within the base. In contrast, Thomas’ mother, Colette (Nadia Tereszkiewicz), spends her days tending to their home and three sons. Thomas is a thoughtful and perceptive child who enjoys reading and taking note of interactions among adults on the base, including Bernard (Hugues Delamarlière), a young man with a passionate spirit, though somewhat lethargic.
The tranquil island of Red seems an idyllic summer escape, with its sun-kissed charm captivating the characters. However, beneath this picturesque facade lies a hidden darkness.
Masterfully Captures the Softness of a Child’s Gaze
In his previous works, such as the movie “BPM (Beats Per Minute)” set during the AIDS crisis in 1990s France, director Campillo demonstrated an aptitude for capturing the anger and despair felt by a population left neglected by their government. His earlier films, like “Eastern Boys” from 2013 and “They Came Back” from 2004, likewise tackled heavier themes, each carrying undertones of violence and mortality. Interestingly, “Red Island” stands out among his works due to its distinctly different tone compared to the rest of his directorial portfolio.
The movie “Red Island” primarily focuses on young Thomas’ perspective, emphasizing the tender and imaginative nature that many introverted children possess. This becomes evident right from the start, as super-hero Fantômette (Calissa Oskal-Ool) engages in a battle against a gang of henchmen wearing puppet-like masks. It takes a short while before we discover that Fantômette is the main character of a book Thomas is reading. However, Campillo’s decision to make us linger in this scene – with frequent appearances of Fantômette throughout the film – suggests how deeply immersed we are in Thomas’ worldview.
In this context, Vauselle deserves recognition for his convincing portrayal of the young lead character, managing to embody both innocence and wisdom effectively. His performance skillfully showcases a youthful enthusiasm while also demonstrating maturity that hints at an understanding beyond his years, particularly in scenes where Thomas’ looks and smirks carry a weight that suggests a deeper knowledge. Similarly, credit is due to cinematographer Jeanne Lapoirie for capturing the childlike essence of Red Island without making it appear immature or devoid of purpose. The narrative is presented from Thomas’ perspective, but it’s not just about make-believe superheroes; instead, it subtly incorporates the harsh realities and tragedies of colonial history.
Red Island Is Limited by Its Own Narrative Devices
It’s intriguing to note that Red Island’s primary asset sometimes hinders its full potential. Thomas’ keen eye for the world and his intrigue, while effectively unveiling deeper themes, simultaneously restricts the film from fully delving into them. The relationship between Colette and Robert, much like many real-life marriages, is a complex tapestry of both love and tension, possibly even resentment. However, due to Thomas’ perspective, we are left with an incomplete picture of who Tereszkiewicz and Gutiérrez truly are as characters.
In a similar vexto, it can be argued that the historical background of the movie – specifically, France’s colonization of Madagascar – is not given as much attention as it should be on screen. While Campillo’s film is rooted in his personal childhood memories, these recollections are inherently imperfect, incomplete, and lacking in full understanding. However, the final scene takes a sudden and dramatic shift from Thomas, the military base, and all we have witnessed so far, which can feel jarring yet powerful. This transition is marked by a switch from childhood innocence and security to anger and protest.
A significant aspect of the movie, titled “Red Island“, continually explores the themes of perception and recognition, whether it’s visual, social, cultural, or otherwise. However, it becomes evident as the story progresses that what we see through Thomas’ eyes is not the whole truth. Despite its exceptional production quality, by the end, one may ponder if this was indeed the narrative that should have been presented from the beginning.
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2024-08-29 23:02