Movie spotlight
Rain
Michael Keenan's film Rain takes us in from the main title to the payoff of its namesake. The heat and the throbbing music provide the indolent rhythm of the troubled life of Alex the cabdriver. The story is simple: New York as Hell. The noise, the sensory intrusions and the blistering heat don't stop those who can't leave from going about their business, forcing them into their own worlds sometimes to extreme degrees. Alex keeps moving, her taxi as metaphor, and waiting. Waiting is an active verb here. The sound effects, score, and chaotic images of New York captured by Robert LoScalzo come alive as the workings of Alex's interior anguish as well as the real exterior of the City.
Insights
Plot Summary
In the harsh landscape of rural Sweden, a young woman, Anna, struggles with her life after her mother's death. She finds herself drawn into a tumultuous relationship with the charismatic but unstable Per, whose unpredictable nature creates a volatile environment. As Anna navigates her complex feelings and the challenges of her isolated existence, she must confront her own desires and the consequences of her choices.
Critical Reception
Rain received a mixed to positive reception, with critics praising its atmospheric direction and the performances of its lead actors, particularly Ewa Fröling. However, some found the pacing slow and the narrative occasionally bleak. The film captured a specific mood of isolation and emotional complexity.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its strong directorial vision and evocative atmosphere.
Ewa Fröling's performance was widely commended for its depth and nuance.
Some found the film's somber tone and deliberate pacing to be challenging.
Google audience: Information on specific Google user reviews for 'Rain (1989)' is not readily available, making it difficult to summarize audience sentiment on that platform.
Awards & Accolades
Nominated for the Golden Globe Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
Fun Fact
The film is an adaptation of the novel 'Rain Over Spring' by Swedish author Per Olov Enquist, though the movie deviates significantly from the book's plot and themes.
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