DOT THE I
UK is this 2003, 92 minutes, Colour.
Gael Garcia Bernal, Natalia Verbeke, James D' Arcy, Tom Hardy, Charlie Cox.
Directed by Matthew Parkhill.
For the first part of this film, audiences may be in a take-it-or-leave-it frame of mind. It seems ordinary enough. James D’ Arcy portrays a seemingly agreeable in a relationship with a rather feisty waitress – and, before their wedding, she goes to a fancy dress party, the girls dressed as men, where she indulges in a pre-marriage tradition and has a kiss from someone in the restaurant. This character is played by Gael Garcia Bernal. The kiss is rather intense and the two begin an affair. When the man finds out, he dismisses the young woman.
At which stage there is a rather extraordinary surprise, making audiences think about the first part of the film again. James D’ Arcy this time it emerges as an ambitious filmmaker, setting up a scenario, auditioning the young man who is to kiss the fiancee, all as part of a film that he is making, with the help of two associates, played by Tom Hardy in a very early role and Charlie Cox. While the whole thing is contrived, it does have an effect on the young man who continues the relationship. The young woman, however, does not know what has been happening and on discovering the truth is upset.
The film concludes with the Premiere of the film, its acclaim, the filmmaker arriving, hoping for an award, his two associates doing some publicity at the door and being filmed. The filmmaker arrives with the young woman, with Gael Garcia Bernal looking on. Then there is quite some melodrama with eventual resolution of the plot.
The film is average in many ways – although the twist probably moves it towards above-average.
1. This film as drama, as romance? The ordinary, the twist, surprise?
2. Life in Britain, ordinary, homes, bars, diners, studios? The musical score?
3. The title – and the explanation at the end, its meaning in Barnaby’s complete plot?
4. First impressions, Barnaby, pleasant, loving, relationship with Carmen, the proposal, engagement?
5. Carmen, engaged, the relationship with Barnaby, the party and women dressed in suits, Kit, the device of the party and the kiss? The attraction, meeting, the affair? The consequences? Barnaby discovering the truth, Carmen being abandoned? Barnaby and his being hurt? The credibility of this part of the film?
6. Kit, Tom and Theo, the chat, at the bar, the kiss, the bonding? The effect on his friends?
7. The revelation of the truth, the true character of Barnaby, his plan, making the film, the plot, wanting real life? His auditioning Kit? With Tom and Theo? Luring Kit to be part of the plot, working on Carmen, her not knowing the plot? The diner, the boss, her work, assertive, the relationship, being fired? Kit, the kiss, being part of the film? Kit in the know? The effect, Carmen and love?
8. The revelation about the film, Barnaby, Carmen and her response? Going away?
9. The Premiere, Tom and Theo, filming, speaking to microphone, the purpose of the publicity? Barnaby’s arrival, with Carmen, Kit watching? Barnaby with Carmen? The announcement, going to the stage, Barnaby and satisfaction, Carmen shooting him?
10. Kit and Carmen at the end? The impression of the film in the light of the twist?
