SONG OF SONGS
UK, 2006, 81 minutes, Colour.
Natalie Press, Joel Chalfen, Julia Swift, Leon Lissek.
Directed by Josh Appignanesi.
A very brief, small-budget venture into an enclosed world in London’s northern suburbs, a world of traditional Jewry. The central characters are a brother and sister. She has been studying at a seminary in Jerusalem. He has moved away from home and is teaching literature to new arrivals in Britain. Their mother is an invalid at home.
Ruth (Natalie Press) is reserved, more than a touch cerebral in her approach to life, yet trying to please her mother. She is asked to find her brother, David. When she does so, there is an emotional and religious clash. She is strict. He speaks rather messianically of salvation coming through breaking traditions. In many ways, he tries to tempt and test her in her beliefs.
The screenplay has a great number of religious discussions about the nature of the law and observance. There are many voiceovers using biblical texts. The film is introduced by David asking where his father is and quoting the Vanity of vanities text from Qoheleth. A key text is the Song of Songs 6:8 with love as a seal on a person’s heart.
The film requires a great deal of attention to the interaction of the characters, an alertness to what is happening beneath the surface as well as the willingness to give a great deal of thought to the arguments about Judaism and its traditions.
1.The audience for this film? British? Jewish? Non- Jewish audiences? Interest and appeal?
2.The North London settings, authentic? The homes and the streets, the universities, synagogues? An authentic feel? The musical score, the overtones of traditional Jewish music?
3.The title, the reference to the biblical Song of Songs? Its being quoted in the discussions about women, physiology? The reference to biblical texts, biblical themes? Sufficient background for audiences?
4.Presuppositions in audiences about the Jewish way of life, religious ritual, beliefs, theology? The biblical texts? Their interpretation? The role of the rabbi? Prayer? The synagogue? Orthodox Jews? More liberal Jews?
5.The focus on Ruth, her care for her dying mother? Her time in Israel? Her studies? Knowledge of Jewish theology? Her alienation from her brother? Tracking him down? His coming to the talk, his questioning? At home, meeting with the mother? The bond between Ruth and her mother, her brother? The visits of the rabbi? The discussions? David and his stances, his arguments? The threat religiously to Ruth? Her standing her ground? The rituals, the sexuality inherent in them? Male-female relationships? Asceticism, penance? The more sadistic touches? Ruth and this effect, on her mother and her death?
6.David, his character, alienation? His being contacted by Ruth? His listening to the lecture, his forthright questions? Going home, with his mother? With Ruth? The discussions, the text, the interpretation, the religious rituals, sexuality?
7.The mother, her love for her children, the absent father? The explanation of his absence and the revelation of the truth? Her illness, dying, dependence on her children? The religious background and rituals?
8.The rabbi, what he represented, his visits, points of view? The lecture, the explanations of aspects of Judaism?
9.The local people, friends, the associates? Life in this part of North London.
10.A glimpse of people, human nature? A glimpse of Judaism at the beginning of the 21st century – as interpreted British-style?
