Review of Morvern Callar (2002) by Sindri — 20 Feb 2011

Meditative soul-search - Lynne Ramsay explores the inner life of the mysterious woman Morvern Callar in her second feature film preceding her acclaimed feature film debut "Ratcatcher" (1999).

Morvern Callar is a woman in her twenties who lives with her boyfriend in a Scottish coastal town where she works at a shopping mall with her best friend Lanna. Christmas is nearby, and one day after visiting the local pub with Lanna, Morvern returns to her home where she finds her boyfriend dead on the floor of their living room. Left behind with an unpublished novel, a recorded tape of music and some money, Morvern invites her friend on a holiday trip to Spain.

Scottich film maker, screenwriter and photographer Lynne Ramsay had made three short films and her first feature film "Ratcatcher" (1999) before she made this innovating character study which was shoot in UK, Scottland and Spain. Her patient and poetic camera movements mirrors a passion and consideration for her motives which is very appealing. The intimate close ups of Samantha Morton leads the viewer closely enough to captivate it's attention, and Lynne Ramsays individualistic film style and creative perspectives makes her one of the most interesting female directors a long side Susanne Bier, Jane Campion, Sally Potter and Margreth Olin.

Once one sees the face of Samantha Morton it triggers our curiosity for the dark haired, mystic and short spoken Morvern Callar who has recently lost her lover and is getting trough the initial phase of grief. Morvern is an archetype heroine, and after facing a traumatic incident she counterattacks in stead of digging herself down. But is she in denial? or is she trying to escape reality? The synoptic though alluring screenplay adapted from Alan Warners novel aims in on the main character and creates an unforgettable character brought to life by Samantha Morton who delivers an enchanting performance which is reminiscent of Emily Watson`s performance in "Breaking the Waves" (1996).

Alvin H. Kuchler`s colorful and artistic photography and the psychedelic music from amongst others Apex Twin and The Velvet Underground increases this interpretive independent films cryptic mood.