LANGUAGE LESSONS
US, 2021, 91 minutes, Colour.
Mark Duplass, Natalie Morales, Desean Terry.
Directed by Natalie Morales.
Language Lessons was filmed during 2020 and Covid 19 lockdowns. It is an interesting example of what can be done to make an interesting film with such limitations.
The screenplay was written by the two stars, Mark Duplass and Natalie Morales who also directed, her first feature film. They work very well together, he upset at the death of his partner in a car accident, finding that the partner had arranged for him to have 100 Spanish lessons with Corino all on Zoom.
The main structure of the film has four separate lessons and then some aftermath. Which means then that we are introduced to each of the characters, Adam surprised at his husband, Will, arranging the lessons, but reserved, in grief at his partner’s death. She, on the other hand, is full of life, insisting on the lessons. As the lessons progress, we learn a little more about each of the characters but the aim is to draw us more into interest and sympathy with them.
A complication arises when Adam notices that Corino has bruises on her face, suspecting a brutal husband. Corino reacts negatively, not wanting to be seen on screen. By this time, Adam has become very involved with her, during the lessons, and reflecting afterwards.
There is a scene where Corino is drunk, a scene where she sings a serenade, a final revelation that she is ill, suspected cancer. And, so, Adam suggests that she come to visit him in Oakland and sends a ticket.
The final scene is Adam talking and Corino suddenly appearing behind him.
The film shows what can be created in terms of drama, performance, interactions, with limited budget and strictures because of lockdowns.
- An effective two hander? Made during covid restrictions? Camera techniques, phones, computer images, texting?
- The setting, Adam in his home, the range of rooms in his home, the pool? Carino, her home, Costa Rica, the outside settings, the bar, the street? The musical score?
- The situation, Will and the five year relationship with Adam, marriage, Will and his dancing, cheerful, the glimpses of him on camera, out running, the accident? As arranging for the hundred sessions of Spanish language for Adam?
- Carino, making contact, beginning the lessons, Adam’s surprise? The audience learning her background, Costa Rica, upbringing in Cuba, education in Miami, language lessons, financial situation, the episode of her drinking, the scars on her face, the brawl? Her reticence in showing the scars? The final revelation of her illness, her independence?
- Audiences enjoying the to-ing and fro-ing of the lessons, Adam and his manner, style, speaking Spanish, learning the nuances and vocabulary? Natalie, Spanish, English, exercises? Conversations, gradual self-revelations? The impact of Will’s death, Adam and his grief, lassitude? Carino as a support?
- The signalling of the various lessons? Then the absence? Then the texting? Absences, Adam and his range of messages, emotions, apologising?
- The building up of tension, Carino and her situation, not revealing the truth? Adam, his concern, speaking plainly, her taking offence, his continued apologies? As eventual strong stands? Her not wanting pity?
- The final message, inviting her to the US, having sent her the ticket – and her appearing behind him as he spoke? Their being united, his help for her illness, the future?
