Review of Morvern Callar (2002) by Lauren J — 26 Jul 2008

My mini Scottish movie marathon continues with this weird movie directed by Lynne Ramsay (who directed the brilliant Ratcatcher, which I really enjoyed). In what I've read about this film, I get the sense it's developed somewhat of a cult following for its somber, quirky atmosphere and its "mixtape" soundtrack that makes me feel a little cooler for listening to it.

Samantha Morton makes for an incredibly nuanced Morvern, and I'm glad because a less capable actress would have ruined the entire movie. You see, Morvern doesn't talk much and her odd and often callous behavior throughout the film make her very hard to sympathize with, or care about.

There are a lot of shots of Morvern staring off into space or walking. Just when I was dismissing this as pretentious, I would see the beautiful compositions (I can tell Ramsay was a photographer) and be pulled in somehow by a small gesture by Morton.

I'm glad this film is more than just a cool soundtrack. It was well worth the hour and a half of feeling a bit depressed.