Submarine (2010)
Submarine (USA) Directed by Richard Ayaode Written by Richard Ayoade Starring Craig Roberts; Sally Hawkins; Noah Taylor; Paddy Considine; Yasmin Paige
Based on a 2008 novel by Joe Dunthorne, this British production stars Craig Roberts as fifteen year old nerd Oliver Tate, from Swansea, Wales, a young man with limited social skills who longs to be in a relationship with a girl. The object of his desire is the enticing, enigmatic, eczema plagued pyromaniac Jordana (Yasmin Paige), an elusive creature with a bold streak who becomes enamored with Oliver’s strident devotion to her. The cast is a good one, consisting of the marvelous Noah Taylor (as bored father Lloyd) and Sally Hawkins (as bored mom Jill), as well as Paddy Considine, doing one of his far out characterizations as new age motivational speaker with a mullet, Graham Purvis. Making his feature debut, thirty four year old writer/director Richard Ayaode is clearly a talent to watch, and demonstrates a sure hand in establishing a consistent tone. The precociousness of the younger characters and deadpan delivery of the actors resembles a kind Wes Anderson Rushmore/ Tenenbaums vibe, mixed with seventies American Cinema (think Harold and Maude); with a dollop of Catcher in the Rye for good measure. Once upon a time one can imagine Michael Cera in an American version of the film, doing a riff on his outsider character who’s so square he’s hip (Scott Pilgrim; Youth In Revolt; Superbad et al). Oliver narrates the proceedings with a wry, often skewed view of the world, while trying to capture his beloveds heart, mind (and of course, body) and repair his parents failing marriage. While there are times when the film teeters on either side of the sentimental/ ridiculous ends of the spectrum, for the most part Ayaode manages to keep the ship steady as he attempts to meld emotionally honest performances with highly stylized/fantastic, trappings.