Columbus

Columbus is an independent drama movie released in 2017, directed by Kogonada and stars John Cho, Haley Lu Richardson, and Parker Posey. The film is a contemplative exploration of human connection, family ties and time, set in the backdrop of the quaint and architecturally rich Midwestern city of Columbus, Indiana. Effortlessly combining the elements of architectural beauty and sublime drama, Columbus is not just a movie, but an in-depth experience that leaves the viewers thoroughly introspective.

John Cho portrays Jin, a Korean-born man who finds himself stranded in Columbus when his renowned scholar father falls into a coma during a speaking tour. Jin is depicted as a translator, who has distanced himself from his father over the years. This unexpected situation forces him to stay back in Columbus, a place about which he couldn't be more indifferent and apathetic. Jin's character mirrors his circumstances – a man caught in obligations, personal dilemmas, and emotional exhaustion, wrestling to maintain a grip over his fast-unraveling life.

Haley Lu Richardson embodies Casey, a bright young woman with an enthusiastic personality and a deep love for architecture. Despite having the brains to attend a reputable university, she willingly gives up these ambitions to take care of her recovering drug addict mother. She shares an infatuation for the city and its architectural marvels, a clear contrast to Jin's disinterest and unawareness. Throughout the narrative, Casey acts as the link which ties the viewer to the city and its charm through her passionate eyes.

Superbly essayed by Parker Posey, Eleanor is a colleague and friend of Jin's father, who steps in to help and support Jin during his time in Columbus. Her character adds another intricate layer to the tapestry of this narrative, influencing the dynamics in Jin's life and his perspective towards it.

The beauty of Columbus lies in the exchange of dialogues between the characters of Jin and Casey. Their casual, yet profound conversations do not focus on verbose conversations but revolve around unveiling the characters, their backgrounds, their vulnerabilities, and self-realizations. The chance encounter between Jin and Casey forms the cornerstone of the movie, two strangers developing a bond over shared experiences and emotional baggage. Despite the distinct cultural and generational divide, a special connection kindles between the two, stirring shared sentiments, perspectives, and subtly invoking a transformation in each other.

The narrative emphasizes the elements of architectural resonance, personal ties, and the conflict of responsibilities which are encapsulated in a slow-burning screenplay that leaves its viewers pondering long after it has ended. The film is not just about the story of two people but primarily focuses on the interaction between these characters and the effect of their surroundings on their perspectives. It documents how built environments influence the concepts of home, family, and identity, and decides the manner in which we engage with our past, present, and future.

The cinematography of Columbus deserves special mention. Every frame meticulously mirrors the simplicity and complexity of life, just like the modernist buildings that populate Columbus. The film engages with architecture, not as a mere backdrop, but as a storytelling device, with every shot composed in a manner that reflects the narrative and emotional beats and flow of the story.

The director interplays the physical spaces with the raw and honest emotions of the characters, creating an engrossing atmosphere. Kogonada utilizes long, static shots where the characters converse amidst the architectural spaces - the overshadowing concrete structures mirroring the weight of their personal burdens. Every shot in the film is a visual treat, pulsating with resounding tranquility.

To summarise, Columbus is a deeply evocative film that is grounded in the simplicity and serenity it brings to screen. It threads together the elements of human connection, architecture, and poignant emotions through a subtle and meticulous narrative. Both John Cho and Haley Lu Richardson deliver captivating performances that intertwine their personal conundrums with the city's architectural landscape. These nuances make Columbus not just a movie but an aesthetically appealing narrative journey that resonates deeply with its viewers.