Movie Review: Memories of Tomorrow
Memories of Tomorrow
review © Deb Mudie
There’s a difference between a film and a movie, although the words are often used interchangeably. For this reviewer, movies are the Hollywood tales - high-speed, explosive, and violent. Films, on the other hand, are ‘art-house’ - slower-paced, and engaging the brain. Memories of Tomorrow - definitely a film rather than a movie - combines both aspects of art-house, along with a snaking story and incredible photography.
Amit Tripuraneni’s debut ‘no-budget’ film is a stunner, and he shines in his first outing as director and writer. Also worthy of note is Lance Wordsworth’s incredible photography, both of the New Zealand landscape and the story. Filmed over a five-month period, volunteer cast and crew have created a film that while shaky at points, leaves the viewer overwhelmed with lives lived and lost.
In Memories of Tomorrow, John (Richard Thompson) can’t remember their past. His wife Tanya (Rachel Gilchrist), on the other hand, is desperately trying to forget. Together, they have forged a new life in New Zealand, leaving Britain, and their previous lives, behind. But four years later history is coming to get them - in John’s nightmarish dreams; in the arrival of Roger (Ray Trickitt), a previous acquaintance of Tanya’s; and in the inescapable chain of events that Roger’s arrival sets off. It gives this film its title, and gives the tale its hook.
The relatively slow beginning gives the viewer time to understand the dynamic between the couple, and see how John’s lack of memories is creating a dark undertow in their seemingly tranquil lifestyle. While it’s not readily apparent what are dreams and what is reality (more from the filming perspective than the acting), the realisation that Tanya is keeping something from John becomes obvious to both him and the viewer.
The pace picks up a little when Roger arrives in Auckland, with covert pick-ups, hidden cameras, and espionage behind the scenes. And when Roger comes into contact with Tanya and John, the present begins to tangle with the past, creating disastrous results for everyone.
The end is no disappointment, with the main questions answered. But new questions are created and left open, allowing for the possibility of a return to the tale at a later date.
No one is going to mistake Memories of Tomorrow for a million-dollar film, but neither does it come across as an amateur effort. The main actors are credible and believable, with most extras also doing well. Given the breaks between filming (done primarily on weekends) and the constraints on locations and time, getting into character can't have been easily done. Auckland locals will recognise Takapuna and Onehunga, which are featured heavily, with Bethells Beach making appearances in some of the most sinister memories.
Memories of Tomorrow will be the first movie shown at Auckland’s Asia Film Festival, playing this month, with a second showing later in the festival. If you have the chance - get to it! I highly recommend it.
Starring: Richard Thompson’s not-so-paranoid fears, Rachel Gilchrist’s limpid eyes and excellent targeting, Ray Trickitt’s creepy and sadistic attitude, Tim Schijf’s competent geekery, Rebecca Mallitte’s subtle spying, Elena Trajkovska’s laundry basket, and the Panasonic DVX100a’s fluid filming.
The website, with downloadable trailers, full synopsis and official poster, can be found here.
Memories of Tomorrow screening times (at the Academy Cinema, Lorne Street, Auckland):
Friday 20 May 2005 @ 5.30PM
Sunday 29 May 2005 @ 12.00 Noon
Win tickets here, if you are a varsity.co.nz member.
Previously published at varsity.co.nz.
review © Deb Mudie
There’s a difference between a film and a movie, although the words are often used interchangeably. For this reviewer, movies are the Hollywood tales - high-speed, explosive, and violent. Films, on the other hand, are ‘art-house’ - slower-paced, and engaging the brain. Memories of Tomorrow - definitely a film rather than a movie - combines both aspects of art-house, along with a snaking story and incredible photography.
Amit Tripuraneni’s debut ‘no-budget’ film is a stunner, and he shines in his first outing as director and writer. Also worthy of note is Lance Wordsworth’s incredible photography, both of the New Zealand landscape and the story. Filmed over a five-month period, volunteer cast and crew have created a film that while shaky at points, leaves the viewer overwhelmed with lives lived and lost.
In Memories of Tomorrow, John (Richard Thompson) can’t remember their past. His wife Tanya (Rachel Gilchrist), on the other hand, is desperately trying to forget. Together, they have forged a new life in New Zealand, leaving Britain, and their previous lives, behind. But four years later history is coming to get them - in John’s nightmarish dreams; in the arrival of Roger (Ray Trickitt), a previous acquaintance of Tanya’s; and in the inescapable chain of events that Roger’s arrival sets off. It gives this film its title, and gives the tale its hook.
The relatively slow beginning gives the viewer time to understand the dynamic between the couple, and see how John’s lack of memories is creating a dark undertow in their seemingly tranquil lifestyle. While it’s not readily apparent what are dreams and what is reality (more from the filming perspective than the acting), the realisation that Tanya is keeping something from John becomes obvious to both him and the viewer.
The pace picks up a little when Roger arrives in Auckland, with covert pick-ups, hidden cameras, and espionage behind the scenes. And when Roger comes into contact with Tanya and John, the present begins to tangle with the past, creating disastrous results for everyone.
The end is no disappointment, with the main questions answered. But new questions are created and left open, allowing for the possibility of a return to the tale at a later date.
No one is going to mistake Memories of Tomorrow for a million-dollar film, but neither does it come across as an amateur effort. The main actors are credible and believable, with most extras also doing well. Given the breaks between filming (done primarily on weekends) and the constraints on locations and time, getting into character can't have been easily done. Auckland locals will recognise Takapuna and Onehunga, which are featured heavily, with Bethells Beach making appearances in some of the most sinister memories.
Memories of Tomorrow will be the first movie shown at Auckland’s Asia Film Festival, playing this month, with a second showing later in the festival. If you have the chance - get to it! I highly recommend it.
Starring: Richard Thompson’s not-so-paranoid fears, Rachel Gilchrist’s limpid eyes and excellent targeting, Ray Trickitt’s creepy and sadistic attitude, Tim Schijf’s competent geekery, Rebecca Mallitte’s subtle spying, Elena Trajkovska’s laundry basket, and the Panasonic DVX100a’s fluid filming.
The website, with downloadable trailers, full synopsis and official poster, can be found here.
Memories of Tomorrow screening times (at the Academy Cinema, Lorne Street, Auckland):
Friday 20 May 2005 @ 5.30PM
Sunday 29 May 2005 @ 12.00 Noon
Win tickets here, if you are a varsity.co.nz member.
Previously published at varsity.co.nz.