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EM4JAY
***1/2 out of *****
Reviewed by Jarrod Baker Screening in the 2007 World Cinema Showcase
Back to KP's WSC Coverage  Genres
Drama
2006
Directed by
Alkinos Tsilimidos
Written by
Daniel Keene
Alkinos Tsilimidos
Cast
Laura Gordon ... Em
Nick Barkla ... Jay
Chloe Armstrong ... Bianca
David Campbell ... Mick
Kat Stewart ... Janey
Jeremy Taylor ... Jay's dealer Em (Laura Gordon) and Jay (Nick Barkla) are unemployed junkies living in Melbourne. The film opens with them scoring some heroin, shooting up and watching Judge Judy – the clear implication being that these two are going nowhere fast. To make ends meet the duo agree to perform a live sex show for a wealthy voyeur. Filled with self-loathing after debasing themselves in this way, they begin to look for alternatives, eventually deciding that armed robbery is the perfect crime. And all goes relatively well (for Em and Jay, if not their unfortunate victims) until Jay starts selling drugs for their dealer, then stabs a convenience store owner who tries to fight back. Inevitably things all go further downhill from there – thought it's not as if these characters ever show much hope of getting out of the rut they've carved for themselves. Both exhilarated by their criminal success and hampered by their habit they indulge in riskier and riskier behaviour – but by this point it's already extremely clear that things are not going to end up well for the unfortunate lovers. Gritty, lo-fi and confronting, Em4Jay is helped along significantly by convincing performances by its cast. The two leads are especially good – you never doubt their authenticity for a second – but the supporting cast are excellent as well. There's particularly effective (and affecting) scene in the latter half of the film where Em is reunited with her estranged sister, Janey (Kat Stewart) – who despite putting a brave face on things cannot control her tears when she sees the state Em is in. Em4Jay makes for uncomfortable viewing; the relentless negativity of Em and Jay's situation rarely lets up. There are occasional moments of laugh-out-loud levity, but these are almost always at Em and Jay's expense, and serve to highlight the pair's hopelessness. The film isn't made any easier to watch with often slow pacing, which although it serves to highlight the day to day monotony of Em and Jay's lives can tend to make the film seem longer than its 87 minutes. And if you're not a fan of needles, you may need to cover your eyes – there are some very realistic depictions of heroin injection, which unlike their equivalent in Pulp Fiction don't serve to glorify the habit in any way. Nevertheless, despite the low budget feel of the film, the execution is nothing but professional. Editing, cinematography and audio are all top-notch, and the fine soundtrack by the Black Keys is a welcome addition. If you can stick it out through the slow and uncomfortable parts, Em4Jay is worthwhile viewing. Just don't cross your fingers and wish for a happy ending. Auckland screenings at the Academy Cinema
Thu 29 Mar 2007 - 8:30 pm
Sun 1 Apr 2007 - 2:15 pm
Wellington screenings at the Paramount Theatre
Wed 4 Apr 2007 - 6:30 pm
Thu 5 Apr 2007 - 1:45 pm
Christchurch screenings at Rialto Cinemas
Thu 19 Apr 2007 - 11:15 am
Sun 22 Apr 2007 - 8:15 pm
Dunedin screenings at the Regent Theatre
Fri 27 Apr 2007 - 8:30 pm
Wed 2 May 2007 - 1:45 pm |
