British film by Richard Ayoade with Noah Taylor, Paddy Considine, Craig Roberts. (1 h 47.)
Oliver Tate*, 15, has two projects in mind:
* the film’s main character
- the first / sleep with his girlfriend as soon as possible,
- the second / to breathe new life into his parents’ relationship.
Submarine opens like Oliver’s diary (and every day has its moments…). Our super anti-hero (ugly, very unpopular, not very stylish) has – however – got the hang of it. What’s more, he’s not afraid to say out loud that he’d like to be recognized as “an influential thinker” on the human scene, and to be “filmed all the time”. The only worry is reality, where – apart from his legendary phrasing and his disillusioned, placid sense of humour (***) – Oliver can’t really be said to have the sex appeal of the sacred chalice.
- Oliver Tate & Jordana
But the heart has its reasons… And it’s that of the bizarre Jordana (a big, sulky, bowl-cut girl, full of eczema) that he manages to catch in his net. Between the philosopher of the absurd and the manic-farfelue with a skin condition, the chemistry is unreal (races under the moon, campfires & heart glasses). And this “Very First Time” will bring joy to Oliver’s parents, atypical but off-course figures who are terribly worn down by everyday life, and who are themselves preparing for something big: the move into the neighborhood of the mother’s ex-boyfriend, Graham, who has become THE New Age guru.
If this type of project has ever spoken to you… And if you feel like laughing… There’s no need to read the 1001 other reviews, which will explain A+B that the director hasn’t really invented anything. The film proves to be a jewel in its way of doing good to the soul.
Elisa Palmer
Cette publication est également disponible en : Français (French)
