Movie Loner

I’ve written many times on these pages about filmmakers “getting it.” Some do, some don’t. What do I mean? The ones who get it are the ones who tell their stories the best way they know how, without compromise, without fear. They don’t answer to committees or executives. They answer to themselves. That’s what I mean by “getting it.” David Gordon Green is a filmmaker who gets it. Since breaking onto the scene in 2000 with the stunning George Washington Gordon Green has dedicated himself to making uniquely original films that deal with real people and real problems. At only 33, Gordon Green continues to mature at his craft but if Snow Angels is any indication he is close to reaching the prime of his career.

As Christmas nears, life in a bucolic small town is about to get very interesting. Teenager Arthur Parkinson works as a bus boy at a local Chinese restaurant. Adolescence is proving complicated for Arthur; his parents are heading for divorce and a new girl named Lila is showing an interest in him. Arthur’s childhood babysitter Annie is having difficulties of her own. A single mother, Annie is becoming frustrated with raising her young daughter Tara. Annie’s ex husband Glenn is also back in the picture. Glenn, a born-again loser who survived a suicide attempt, is futilely trying to regain Annie’s trust and love. Annie rejects Glenn’s advances and instead continues an affair with the husband of a co-worker.

Once Glenn learns of Annie’s new boyfriend, his unstable behavior returns. Meanwhile, as Arthur’s family erodes his relationship with Lila blossoms. Seemingly headed in different directions the lives of all these characters are about to converge. A tragedy will bring them together and alter their paths. The aftermath of said tragedy will leave Arthur, Annie and Glenn trapped in an inextricable maze of sadness and confusion. Some will gather the strength to escape, others will struggle, unable to cope with the loss. A cold, winter wind blows bringing with it a cloud of sorrow that will forever change life in this bucolic small town.

Gordon Green is an expert at balancing multiple characters and story lines. He creates a prosaic existence for his characters to dwell and eschews all sense of melodrama. A simple shot of an empty snow-covered swing says more than any soliloquy ever could. Gordon Green’s direction is appropriately subtle. He allows his actors to propel the plot to a natural conclusion. Michael Angarano stands-out playing Arthur, a quiet goodhearted young man forced to grow up a little early. Kate Beckinsale and Sam Rockwell also deliver powerful performances as Annie and Glenn, a tortured couple destined to meet a mournful end. Snow Angels won’t leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside and it won’t apologize for doing so. David Gordon Green tells his stories his way. He does this because he’s one of those filmmakers who gets it.

A scene from Snow Angels:

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