Review of A Screaming Man (2010) by Richard D — 31 Oct 2016

Adam is the pool attendant at a posh hotel in Chad. He's a former champion swimmer, and has had the job for decades. His son works under him as an assistant pool attendant. When the hotel is bought by new management, Adam finds himself moved to tending the front gate while his son takes over the pool.

He's humiliated by the drop in status. Meanwhile, the army has been fighting rebels and is demanding contributions from all citizens to the cause. When Adam cannot come up with any money, he secretly gives up his son to the military, meeting his obligation and getting back his old job in the process.

However, the guilt eats away at him, especially when his son's pregnant girlfriend shows up. A well-regarded film that won the Jury Prize at Cannes, it was a little too slow for me, especially in the last act.