Snow Cake
I saw this film on IFC on demand (which means I can see it on television the same time it is playing in theaters) and I found it very moving. Director Marc Evans and writer Angela Pell have created a tender story about people on the edge.
Alex Hughes (Alan Rickman) has just been released from prison. He was in for killing a man. While eating at a diner he meets a young woman named Vivienne Freeman (Emily Hampshire) who needs a ride home. At first he is reluctant but he gives in and he soon finds himself enjoying the company. But a short time later a truck smashes into Alex's car and although he is okay Vivienne is killed on the spot. Alex decides that he must talk to Vivienne's mother Linda (Sigourney Weaver) who is a high functioning autistic. He feels compelled to help her out and stay for the funeral. He also meets Maggie (Carrie-Anne Moss) and there is an instant attraction between the two of them.
The film explores the different emotions that these people go through. Weaver is good in a tough role and, for the most part, I found her believable. It was risky of her to take this role and I admire her for it. Moss also does a fine job as Maggie but I would have liked to know a bit more about her character. And Hampshire is very good in her very short role as Vivienne. But the standout in the film is Rickman. Upon his release from prison he seems emotionally dead.
But after spending time in the town of Wawa (where the story takes place) he becomes alive. Towards the end of the film we find out about why he killed someone (and some other important things) and everything makes sense. His performance is reason enough to see the film.
I liked that this film explored adult autism. This is something that we don't hear too much about. We like to sweep these things under the rug. But it does exist. I felt sad at the end of the film because of what the characters went through. But the ending is also positive because Alex has been given back his life. And, yes, we find out what the title actually means. Snow Cake is a small film but it is a powerful character study and if this is the type of film that you like then I recommend that you see it.
Alex Hughes (Alan Rickman) has just been released from prison. He was in for killing a man. While eating at a diner he meets a young woman named Vivienne Freeman (Emily Hampshire) who needs a ride home. At first he is reluctant but he gives in and he soon finds himself enjoying the company. But a short time later a truck smashes into Alex's car and although he is okay Vivienne is killed on the spot. Alex decides that he must talk to Vivienne's mother Linda (Sigourney Weaver) who is a high functioning autistic. He feels compelled to help her out and stay for the funeral. He also meets Maggie (Carrie-Anne Moss) and there is an instant attraction between the two of them.
The film explores the different emotions that these people go through. Weaver is good in a tough role and, for the most part, I found her believable. It was risky of her to take this role and I admire her for it. Moss also does a fine job as Maggie but I would have liked to know a bit more about her character. And Hampshire is very good in her very short role as Vivienne. But the standout in the film is Rickman. Upon his release from prison he seems emotionally dead.
But after spending time in the town of Wawa (where the story takes place) he becomes alive. Towards the end of the film we find out about why he killed someone (and some other important things) and everything makes sense. His performance is reason enough to see the film.
I liked that this film explored adult autism. This is something that we don't hear too much about. We like to sweep these things under the rug. But it does exist. I felt sad at the end of the film because of what the characters went through. But the ending is also positive because Alex has been given back his life. And, yes, we find out what the title actually means. Snow Cake is a small film but it is a powerful character study and if this is the type of film that you like then I recommend that you see it.
posted by Film Fanatic | 8:09 PM
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