“Memory” is a brilliant film with remarkable achievements in
directing and acting. The narrative flawlessly fluctuates between the lovers’
codependency and the portrayal of their past traumas and mental illness in a unique, human, and universal perspective that will indeed engage the audience from beginning to end.
Jessica Chastain and Peter Sarsgaard in “Memory,” directed by Michel Franco.
Academy Award-winning actress Jessica Chastain (“The
Eyes of Tammy Faye,” “The Help,” “Crimson Peak”) plays Sylvia, a dedicated social
worker who provides compassionate support to individuals with special needs in
an adult daycare facility. She has been a member
of Alcoholics Anonymous since she became pregnant with her very responsible and
mature daughter, Anna (Brooke Timber), thirteen years ago.Sylvia still holds some very unpleasant memories from her
childhood, resulting in a conflicting relationship with her wealthy mother, who
labels her as a pathological liar.
On her way back home from the Woodbury bar after a high school reunion, Sylvia is followed by Saul Shapiro (Peter Sarsgaard), a well-dressed man who looks lonely rather than threatening. She is intrigued but leaves
him to stay outside in the cold all night long.
This encounter took place under unusual circumstances. Saul’s
brother offers her a job as his caretaker. Saul’s dementia makes it difficult for
him to recall recent events. However, he retains vivid memories of events that
occurred years ago, which Sylvia finds amusing.
The codependency of an unusual relationship takes an
unexpected turn, leaving both parties to struggle to make rational decisions.
This twist will surely surprise and intrigue the audience.
The couple, one diagnosed with dementia and the other psychologically
unstable, do not see the sensitive and legal consequences of their relationship
until it gets too late.
Jessica Chastain and Peter Sarsgaard in “Memory,” directed by Michel Franco.
“Memory” is a masterclass in acting by Peter Sarsgaard and Jessica Chastain. They authentically delve into their characters’ emotions, behaviors, and psychology.
Peter Sarsgaard
(“Blue Jasmine,” “Jackie,” and “The Lost Daughter”) is extraordinary and classy, delivering a heartwarming performance. His inspiring work in “Memory” earned him the Volpi Cop for Best
Actor at the Venice Film Festival in 2023.
“Memory” is one of the best and
most ambitious films by Mexican director Michel Franco. Franco preserves a similar bleach-out and oblique style he
had in “Chronic,” his first English film starring Tim Roth, which
earned him Best Director at Cannes in 2015. The duo continued their work in
2021 in another moody, intricate, and violent film made in Acapulco, “Sundown.”
“After Lucia” gave Franco the
Uncertain Regard Award and international recognition. With “April’s
Daughters,” Franco achieves a high level of respect for directing actors from
different nationalities. In Michel Franco’s films, audiences can see the
actors’ body language without the need to read subtitles to understand the deep
emotions of his stories.
In “New Order,” Franco brought an asphyxiating,
nonstop level of violence and anarchy rarely seen on the big screen. It is one
of the most realistic Silver Lion winners presented at the Venice Film
Festival.
Life is beautiful in a relationship, but it is also painful, challenging, and regretful.
“Memory” does not focus on the alienation or sickness of the two main
characters but on their codependency to cope inadaptability with their physical needs, which is challenging. This makes the audience feel empathetic
and understand their needs and struggles, making them see themselves through
Sylvia and Saul’s eyes.
Watching “Memory” brings us an unforgettable experience that
will live in our recollections for quite a long time due to its impeccable performances
and solid direction.
Mexican director Michel Franco and film critic José Alberto Hermosillo www.FestivalinLA.com
Dances With Films Los Angels is one of the best and most prominent independent film festivals in the country. The impressive lineup of 232 films showcased in two screening rooms included 117 world, international, North American, or U.S. premieres. Three films announced distribution deals during the festival.
The effervescent festival wrapped up its 27th edition with an exciting awards night at the TLC Chinese Theater in Hollywood.
The 2024 Dances With Films LA Filmmaker Award Winners:
GRAND JURY PRIZES
GRAND JURY - NARRATIVE FEATURES BETWEEN THE LIGHTS Director/Writer: Michael Groom Producers: David Groom, Michael Groom
HONORABLE MENTIONS: DREAMING OF YOU Director/Writer: Jack McCafferty Producers: Bridgett Greenberg, Jack McCafferty
TALLYWACKER Director/Writer: Brendan Boogie Producers: Jeremy Dubs, Chris Goodwin, Brendan Boogie
GRAND JURY – DOCUMENTARY FEATURES A LITTLE HOPE FOR CHICAGO Director: Leon Lozano Writers: Kevin Nichols, Leon Lozano Producers: Garrett E.B. Thompson, Kevin Nichols, Leon Lozano
HONORABLE MENTION: SPYRAL Director/Writer: Bill Guttentag Producer: Jennifer Hutchins
GRAND JURY PRIZE - NARRATIVE SHORTS BLACK SILK Director/Writer: Patrick Michael Producers: Patrick Michael, Josh Akin, Tiffany Gist, Samuel Skeen
HONORABLE MENTIONS: KOI Director/Writer: Taige Shi Producer: Tianyu Yang
THE RUNT Director/Writer: Christy Stratton Story by: Christy Stratton, Mark Norberg Producers: Katrina Rotondo, Daniela Inés Calvo and Christy Stratton
INDUSTRY CHOICE AWARDS
INDUSTRY CHOICE AWARDS (UNDER 40’) IS IT BECAUSE I’M A GIRL Director: Peter Decherney Producer: Peter Gitau
INDUSTRY CHOICE AWARDS (OVER 40’) FIGHT LIKE A GIRL Director/Writer: Matthew Leutwyler Producers: Anton Laines, Innocent Munyeshuri, Yvette Gayle, Serge Ibaka
COMPETITION (NARRATIVE) FEATURE AUDIENCE AWARD THE MAN WHO SAVED THE INTERNET WITH A SUNFLOWER Directors: Ori Yardeni, Emil Ben Shimon Writers: Oren Safdie, Izhar Har-Lev, Ori Yardeni Producers: Kobi Hoffmann, Zehava Shekel
DOCUMENTARY FEATURE AUDIENCE AWARD SAVING JONES Director/Writer: Rebecca Corry Producer: Stand Up For Pits Foundation with Angel Forever
FUSION FEATURE AUDIENCE AWARD THE DISINVITED Director: Devin Lawrence Writers: Devin Lawrence, Matthew Mourgides Producer: Matthew Mourgides
DOWNBEAT AUDIENCE AWARD BED BY 9 Director: Christian Klein Writer: Max Castillo Producer: Olivia Isabel Comas
DANCES WITH KIDZ PRO AUDIENCE AWARD SURVIVED BY Director/Writer: KD. Chalk Producers: Nicole Crespo, Pinar Binay
PILOTS AUDIENCE AWARD EXPOSED Directors: Reece Melber, Rachel Othon Writer: Hannah Merritt Producer: Sina Crenshaw
COMPETITION (NARRATIVE) SHORTS AUDIENCE AWARD I APPROVE OF THIS MESSAGE Director: Craig Newman Writer: Michael Barringer Producers: Craig Newman, Michael Barringer
DOCUMENTARY SHORTS AUDIENCE AWARD EL REGRESO Director: Samantha Ramirez-Hererra Producer: Sam Bathrick
FUSION SHORTS AUDIENCE AWARD PUPPY LOVE Director: Daniel Rashid Writers: Daniel Rashid, Elizabeth Valenti Producers: Reilly Anspaugh, Daniel Rashid, Elizabeth Valenti
Dances With Films will return for its third New York City edition in December. For more information, please go to https://danceswithfilms.com/.