Review of Submarine (2011) by Pedro H — 20 Sep 2011

A comedy that doesn't let principles stand in the way of progress.

Deep.

With no pun intended - Submarine is one of the deepest movie I have yet seen in all of my life. Dripping with themes and life lessons, Oliver Tale takes us all in a journey of understanding the basic principles in life. Along with a great plot, Submarine's originality, and beautiful cinematography and script, this is by far one of the best movies of the year.

Oliver Tate (Roberts) is a unique young adolescent, his curiosity and ambition to lose his virginity and save his parents's marriage sets him off on a journey to discover the true meaning in life. The movie and the audience follow the mind of the young 15 year old - all his thoughts and worries - and with him we are introduced to a whole bunch of themes and motifs that are perfectly portrayed, like the dichotomy between life and death, and what it actually means to be dead: to actually be dead physically or to be dead mentally. Oliver Tate's mind is the most intriguing yet most beautiful mind that cinema might have yet portrayed.

There are several reasons why this movie is groundbreaking: 1) The script is wonderfully written, 2) The uniqueness and aesthetic cinematography is jaw dropping, and 3) The gist of this movie is out of this world.

Based on Joe Dunthrone's novel, and Richard Ayoade - the director and scrennplay writer - Submarine is by far one of the best screenplays that has yet existed. The slow paced dialogue between characters is never dull at any point but rather engages the audience to truly understand what is trying to be said. The depiction of Oliver Tate's mind is so incredible, that like Juno, and Napoleon Dynamite, he shall have his name on the Indie star walk of fame. Plus, I have grand admiration for writers that are able to make comedy and tragedy appear indifferent on the same page, and Richard Ayoade does this very well.

The cinematography and photography in this movie is so beautiful; like never seen before this is the first movie that uses lomography (a very hispter style of older vintage photography) in it, and the outcome is just a heavenly like eye candy. The color used in every scene is amazing, and the way Richard Ayoade incorporates a retro style to a modern movie is phenomenal . There are specific scenes that shall be unmentioned in order to prevent any spoilers that are forever going to stick in my mind - its creativity, aestheticism, and impact is so magnificent .

Finally, the essence and gist behind this movie is mind-blowing. Dripping with symbolism, Submarine, is able to convey so many messages to audience. The idea of depression being seen as being underwater is rather interesting, yet more interesting is how the movie shows the struggle of a young boy trying not to follow the steps of his depressed parents and become drowned over water (this can be even seen in the poster). Every single scene has something to offer, a lesson to learn, a scene worth analyzing. Like reading a great powerful novel, Submarine (The Movie) was able to touch me profoundly, no pun intended. This is a movie that should be studied by anyone, from psychologists to cinematographers, this movie is just brilliant.

And ofcourse like any other normal movie, the Acting is still very important. Overall the acting in this movie is great, with fresh new faces of young actors, like Craig Roberts, and Yasmin Paige, and great actors to, with some old faces like Paddy Considine, and Sally Hawkins the cast is truly great. FInally the Soundtrack goes well a long with the movie and sounds beautiful. I highly recommend this movie for Indie lovers, and for normal movie goers, its truly something to look up for. Definitely on my top list.

Oliver Tate: "Most people think of themselves as individuals; that's there no one else on the planet like them. This thought motivates them to get out of bed, eat food, and walk around like nothing's wrong. My name is Oliver Tate".