A Bigger Splash

Luca Guadagnino's latest film A Bigger Splash is somewhat ambitious in what it is trying to achieve. Guadagnino is known for his sweeping dramas and this film does follow his usual style, but on a much smaller scale. However, he attempts to surprise audiences with a sharp right turn, which is something that I don't think works to the film's benefit.

Marianne Lane (Tilda Swinton) is a rock star taking some time off after undergoing throat surgery. She is relaxing on the Italian island of Pantelleria with her documentary filmmaker boyfriend Paul (Matthias Schoenaerts) when she is intruded upon by old friend Harry (Ralph Fiennes). Harry has also dragged along his daughter Penelope (Dakota Johnson). Soon Harry has imposed himself upon the couple and is causing tension as he wishes to start up an old relationship with Marianne, which angers Paul to no end.

Up until two-thirds through the way of this film I was entirely on board with what was going on. I really enjoyed the dramatic tension that was happening throughout. But then at the end of the second act, one of the main characters is killed off. I am totally okay with this too, but what I found was that I wasn't entirely convinced by the reason for why it happened and I felt as though there could have been other stronger ways that it could have been presented. This totally changed the whole dynamic of the film to a thriller, but one where the stakes weren't that high. As a result I wasn't really concerned for any of the characters and if they would get out of it unscathed. It did lead to a great revelation however, one that has some pretty nasty implications.

Guadagnino has written some fantastic characters that are portrayed superbly. Top of this list is Ralph Fiennes. While he has played some truly reprehensible characters (a crime boss, a sadistic Nazi, the Dark Lord), I found his character of Harry to be the worst he's ever played. He is the kind of person who you just want to punch if he ever turned up in your life. But the reason he is so good is because he is so incredibly charming and intoxicating to watch. Tilda Swinton has been a long time collaborator with Guadagnino and their working chemistry really shows. She is also stunning to watch because as she barely speaks in the film, all of her performance is done through her physicality. Matthias Schoenaerts' performance straddles a fine line between main and supporting because he doesn't have the screen presence of Fiennes, but at the same time he's very good and important to the story. I want to say Dakota Johnson is good, but she doesn't do very much. However, she gives a better performance than all her previous work combined.

Despite the strange turn in the film, A Bigger Splash is a fantastic drama that is heightened by its small, vibrant cast.