Famed as the producer of the smash hit feel good film THE FULL MONTY, Umberto Pasolini triple treats as writer, producer, director on the sublimely affecting, STILL LIFE.
The film begins with shots of several funerals where the only person attending the requiem is the ubiquitous Mr. May. A sense of mystery prevails. Is he a professional mourner? Who are the dead?
After a series of services and visits to the mortuary, it is revealed that Mr. May is a South London council employee charged with the duty of finding the next of kin for those who have died alone within the constituency. For Mr. May it is a duty of care, ensuring that the deceased have one last vestige of dignity.
For 22 years he has diligently performed his duty, a true vocation, but in the modern era of “efficiency” his meticulous attention to the details of the destitute departed are no longer considered admirable so he is made redundant.
He implores his employer to at least finish the case he is currently investigating, as closure is, and has always been, vital to him. He is allowed, but on the proviso that any travelling expense or overtime is to be borne personally. He has no qualms about this as the case involves a neighbour he never knew, Billy Stoke, who lived and died alone, a poignant reminder of Mr. May’s solitary existence.
Mr. May methodically pieces together fragments of Billy’s life; a mix of mischief, misadventure, love and regret, most of all for an abandoned daughter, Kelly.
A natural detective, plodding, dogged, determined, Mr. May chips away at the mosaic of a multi layered life and uncovers military mates, former lovers, and brothers in alms.
STILL LIFE is a beautifully observed, profoundly affecting experience, gorgeously framed in still life composition with a central performance by Eddie Marsan that is a marvel of dignified stillness. It’s a portrayal that makes OCD attractive.
Joanne Froggatt portrays a delicate fragility as Kelly, hurt by humans she finds solace in running an animal shelter, shy of human contact until Mr. May shines his compassion into the black hole of her suspicion.
Laced with moments of gentle, subtle, surprising humour, STILL LIFE is a celebration of dignity and personal connection. Eloquent, endearing, thoughtful, inspiring, STILL LIFE is a masterful illustration of even in the midst of death we are in life.
Media morte in vita sumus.