One by One: A DVD Review

Last weekend I rented the DVD, The Girl in the Cafe' from HBO Films.

Not knowing exactly what to expect other than this film was written by Richard Curtis, the brilliant writer of Love Actually, I pressed play and sat back for an entertainment ride.

Ride is the right word as this film, while about love, it is about much more than that...or better how far will your love go...you will go to make a difference in another's life.

For those who have seen Love Actually, then one knows Richard is able to weave social commentary into stories that on the surface can come across as a poofter piece.

Who can forget the inspiring press conference scene where the Prime Minister tells the U S President to watch himself. England in the hands this fictious Prime Minister will not allow the U S President to bully them into submission. It felt like he gave the President a Time Out warning.

On The Girl in the Cafe' Richard again takes a shot not just at the U S but at all the nations of making up the G8. The G8 has the power to set the global tone for years to come as they sift through hours of negotiations. But I am getting way ahead of myself here.

I would rather not spoil anything but this is one of the most beautiful examples of how writing can actually have the power to pull our focus and change minds. This film does not have the classic Hollywood scene stealing moment that says, "Look at me and remember me come awards season time!"

All one will find is a small, gentle film that reflects so much life that is like having a mirror to the soul. The reflective quality of this film spills over into the performances giving us the best acting witnessed in a long time.

Because the film's production schedule was not a long one, some of the scenes were shot with a single camera angle. This relaxed unedited approach allows the actors to reveal themselves giving the viewer sense of voyuerism. This intimacy will play out later in the film as one discovers a genuine sense of familarity with the characters.

And this pace allows the characters' story told against the background of the G8 conferance. The film mixes often back and forth from the love story to familar news headlines that the film becomes lifelike.

The intimacy set up in the first part of the film combined with the reality of what is at stake when the G8 assembles equals a powerful payoff at the end of the film.

They could have easily delivered The Girl in the Cafe' to the theaters and have it become the next Lost in Translation. In the end, the director decided the distribution from HBO would get this film out faster...and to more people.

The real beauty in watching this film is at some point in our lives we all have a little of Lawrence (Bill Nighy) and Gina (Kelly Macdonald) in us.

Sure it is only a film, but if a film has the power to inspire, then one by one we might be able to change the world for the better.

Now is not the time to lose focus or become jaded. These are words that even I have trouble swallowing.

Rent. Play. Reply.

Link: The Girl in the Cafe'
Link: Read more about the One Campaign

Sometimes it falls upon a generation to be great.
You can be that generation.
Nelson Mandela, 2005