Review of Somersault (2004) by Martin M — 21 Jul 2008

So I just finished watching this movie called Somersault and it reminded me of how much I enjoy good movies. It's about being young and reckless. But more important, the characters are people you can relate to, who maybe remind you of people in your own life or yourself. There are awkward silences and imperfect beauty.

The plot wasn't great, but it was good. I think what I really enjoyed most; however, were the little visual accents. Maybe it's the close-up of a character's lips as they touch the arc of water from a bubbler. Dead leaves being brushed off a second floor balcony on a cloudy autumn afternoon. The camera depicting the leaf's point of view; falling slowly backwards to the earth below. I love that shit; capturing the insignificant moment in a significant way.

Movies should be active and engaging, not passive and disconnected.