An Angel at My Table

A compelling and beautiful biographical drama, An Angel at My Table, is a hidden gem of a film from New Zealand. Released in 1990, the movie is directed by Jane Campion, renowned for her delicate and nuanced storytelling. This visually stunning, emotionally wrenching film is based on the autobiographical work of the celebrated New Zealand novelist and poet, Janet Frame. Three incredible actresses - Alexia Keogh, Karen Fergusson, and Kerry Fox portray distinct stages of Janet's life, from childhood, her teenage years, to adulthood respectively.

The journey through Janet's life begins in "To The Is-Land," the first part of the film. In this section, viewers witness the character and setting development of young Janet and her family. Alexia Keogh plays the younger version of Janet, depicted as a bright, imaginative child who displays creative prowess from an early age. Born into a working-class family in rural New Zealand, Janet's uniqueness and love for literature stand in stark contrast to her immediate surroundings.

Karen Fergusson then steps into the role of Janet in her teenage years and early 20s during the segment titled "An Angel at My Table." This part portrays the sensitive author navigating her way through teachers' college while balancing her budding writing career. However, gripped by the shackles of depression and misdiagnosed with schizophrenia, Janet's story takes a sharp, sorrowful turn as she spends nearly eight years in a psychiatric institution. The resilience and strength of character demonstrated through Janet's survival are both touching and inspiring.

Then comes "Envoy from Mirror City," the last part of the film, in which Kerry Fox portrays an adult Janet. With her release from the psychiatric institution, Janet ventures on a personal journey to Europe, where she begins establishing herself as a writer. The series of events taking her through personal challenges and public successes gives an intriguing insight into the life that led to her rise as an influential literary figure.

An Angel at My Table is an intimate exploration of the life of a brilliant yet often misunderstood individual who triumphed over adversity to leave an indelible mark on the literary world. The empathetic portrayal of Janet Frame's life vividly brings out the struggles she faced as an individual with mental health challenges in a less understanding time. Watching the three stages of Janet's life unfolds on screen offers a unique window into her evolution as a gifted writer coming of age against tremendous personal and societal odds. It is a narrative characterized by resilience, survival, and ultimate transformation, making for deeply moving viewing.

Jane Campion’s direction is both subtle and profound, capturing Janet’s journey with a keen eye for overt emotions and underlying tensions. She not only focuses on Frame's story but also paints a candid picture of New Zealand of the time, a landscape less traversed in cinema yet beautifully captured.

The three actresses’ performances are impeccable, bringing an authenticity and sensitivity to their portrayal of the singular protagonist at different stages of her life. Especially noteworthy is Kerry Fox’s portrayal of the adult Janet, which garnered widespread recognition and inscribed her as a formidable talent in international cinema.

Moreover, the cinematography by Stuart Dryburgh is spellbinding, serving up a visual feast that contributes to the film's overall appeal. The emotive use of colors and unobtrusive capturing of the stunning New Zealand landscapes add an extra layer of depth to the narrative, immersing the viewer in the world of Frame.

The film embraces themes of mental health, societal judgment, isolation, and self-discovery while paralleling this with the blooming literary landscapes of the mid-20th century. Though set in a specific place and time, An Angel at My Table is a timeless classic touching upon universal human experiences.

To sum it up, An Angel at My Table is a poignant, powerful film that invites viewers to bear witness to the struggles and victories of a remarkable woman and artist. It is a compelling biopic that excels in its sensitive storytelling and unforgettable performances, making it a must-watch for lovers of literary biographies and character-driven cinema.