By: debbie lynn elias
What a quirky little delight we have with a little gem from across the pond called SUBMARINE. Filled with cuteness, laugh out loud funny and dark comedy that I just can’t praise enough, SUBMARINE, is written and directed by Richard Ayoade based on the novel of the same name by Joe Dunthorne. SUBMARINE is the story of 15 year old Oliver Tate, a beyond precocious boy and so wise beyond his years, his main mission in life is to lose his virginity before his 16th birthday while trying to save his parents’ marriage (which may or may not be in jeopardy, but in Oliver’s mind they have hit the skids as the dimmer switch in their bedroom is never on “dim”). But Oliver has one small problem; okay, not so small problem – he has no girlfriend, something which he intends to remedy quickly in the form of Jordana Bevan. As quirky and precocious as Oliver is, Jordana is equally so with her penchant for pyromania, incessant scratching due to eczema, and hard edge, rapid fire, demanding nature which is simply irresistible. And lucky for Oliver, Jordana is a willing participant in all of his plans..and what plans they are with adventures and trouble abounding.
Craig Roberts and Yasmin Paige, as Oliver and Jordana, are the heart and soul of SUBMARINE. Carrying the film, each paints an indelible picture of their characters – Roberts gives us a stoic, stick-up-his-butt, forge ahead nature in Oliver while Paige simply electrifies with non-stop, non-breathing, engaging dialogue and gives Jordana a personality that is a cross between Pippi Longstocking and Veruca Salt. The chemistry between the two is explosive joy and their energy could light up an entire city.
Balancing out Roberts and Paige is the over-the-top, controlled prissy primness that Sally Hawkins brings to Jill Tate, that in and of itself is hysterical. One look at Noah Taylor as Lloyd Tate and you have to laugh – poor put upon downtrodden depressed dad who never cracks a smile. Paddy Considine rounds out our players as Graham T. Purvis, Jill’s childhood boyfriend who has moved back to town into his family home and whom looks more than a little cozy with Jill.
Written and directed by Ayoade, the narrative technique is engaging and entertaining and Roberts’ delivery is impeccable. The boy has an excellent command of comedic timing, dead pan delivery and styling, and converses and narrates with a well paced simplicity – even when espousing big words and big thoughts. This film rises and falls on his performance and his chemistry with Paige. Luckily, these are two mighty talented young actors as they shoulder the burden well.
Visually there is some extraordinary lensing – particularly the exteriors at the ocean, the fire scenes and the fireworks scenes. Stunning work. LOVE the use of red, particularly in the one scene with Oliver and Jordana running with fireworks in their hands at the train yard. The money shot of the film as far as I’m concerned. It sums up the joy of youth and a first love, while the intensity of the red mentally signals heat, fire and stop danger ahead…and then the sparkling fireworks glittering as they run, with sparks flying behind them like shooting stars. Simply breathtaking. That scene just makes me smile. Then you have one of Oliver’s dream sequences in his bed, sinking in water. Powerful and emotionally satisfying. And yes, there are places where the story seems to drag out a bit but is quickly revived with the appearance of Roberts and/or Paige.
Cinematographer Erik Wilson’s use of color and lighting is standout – with Jordana’s coat, the repeated use of red, the lights and neon glow of Graham’s van, the Christmas lights in Jordana’s home – color is expertly used with each character having their own defining color. Gary Williamson’s eclectic production design in Oliver’s room gives a real sense of his level of intelligence and interests – and contrary to his desire to feel like he’s submerged alone in a submarine, the look screams life.
The precociousness of Oliver and Jordana mirrors the visual art house polish and daring-daring do framing and styling of Richard Ayoade. And boy does Ayoade nail 15 year olds….who while wise beyond their years still act with the childhood joy of being 15. Refreshing and fun, SUBMARINE is one of my top picks of the year.
Oliver Tate – Craig Roberts
Jordana Bevan – Yasmin Paige
Mrs. Tate – Sally Hawkins
Mr. Tate – Noah Taylor
Graham Purvis – Paddy Considine
Written and directed by Richard Ayoade based on the novel by Joe Dunthorne.
