February 6, 2021
Film writer and director Malcolm Elliot (John David Washington) and his girlfriend Marie Jones (Zendaya) just came home from a successful premiere of Malcolm's latest film. Marie casually brought up that she was disappointed that Malcolm failed to acknowledge her during his speech. This remark launched an argument that would last the whole night through. Things further went south for the couple when the first critic's review came out.
The film itself looked great, beautifully shot in crisp black and white, and lit to aesthetic perfection so shadows were all in the proper places. The jazzy musical score sounded so smooth and fine, giving off an atmosphere of sophisticated noir. Malcolm was in a natty black suit and tie, while Marie in a slinky sparkly sexy gown with a bare midriff. However, all this stylish elegance was setting us up to witness an intensely hurtful verbal tussle which would engulf the couple all night long.
Malcolm is a film director, an artist who always did things according to his own vision. As such, he is very sensitive to criticisms about him and his work (see how that critic's review got him so riled up). Malcolm could have simply apologized to Marie to reassure her that he cared, but instead he bullied her for making that comment. He got so over-the-top when he is angry, even cruelly revealing details of past love affairs to prove his point.
Marie felt that the film's flawed female character was based on her own battle with drug addiction. She was a relentless masochist here, constantly bringing up her insecurities when their argument seemed to have already calmed down, to burn Malcolm up all over again. This caused the story to just keep repeating itself up and down, rebuttal after rebuttal, in a tiresome pattern making the 106 minute runtime feel so long.
Maybe it was on purpose that Washington and Zendaya did not have much onscreen chemistry with their clashing acting styles. Washington was very theatrical as Malcolm, big movements, loud yelling (seen during his outdoor tantrum scene and the review reading scene). Zendaya, in her most mature and daring role, was more internal in her attack on the role of Marie, communicating mostly with her facial expressions and restrained line deliveries. This was maybe why her performance had more awards buzz than Washington's.
Couples do clash and argue, and it is never a situation anyone would like to be in with the person they love. An argument is borne out of a defensive decision to act on differences, instead of just agreeing to disagree. One can be so passionate about his opinions enough to confront his partner for having contrary ideas. Combustible temperaments do lead to more explosive fireworks, as what transpired here in this claustrophobic two-hander. 6/10.
No comments:
Post a Comment