Devarim

Devarim is an Israeli drama film released in 1995. It is a masterpiece directed by Amos Gitai, known for leading the vanguard of Israeli cinema into the global stage. Devarim drew international acclaim for its nuanced portrayal of urban life in Israel, drawing on the rich tapestry of interpersonal relationships and personal turmoil of three young Israeli men. The cast includes Gabi Beniashvilly, Samuel Calderon, and Helena Cherkasov, who breathe life into Gitai's layered narrative with their compelling performances.

Devarim, translating to 'Things' in English, relies heavily on philosophy, existential banter, and long, observational shots to portray the seemingly mundane reality of urban life. However, beneath this veneer of mundanity lies much more profound themes of existential crisis, the search for identity, and the struggle to reconcile individual pasts with an unforgiving present.

The narrative revolves around three friends - Caesar (played by Samuel Calderon), Israel (played by Gabi Beniashvilly), and Misha (played by Shai Avivi). They are all in their 30s, and have lived in Tel Aviv since their youth. Over time, they have drifted into different paths of life with their own burdens to bear - Caesar is a struggling musician unable to break out of his creative rut, Israel is an amateur philosopher wrestling with existential crisis, while Misha is an electronics wizard trying to make sense of life beyond the wiring and circuit boards.

As the story unfolds, it focuses on their individual struggles, memories from the past, shared nostalgia, and their complex romantic and personal relationships. Helena Cherkasov plays Nina, a singer who is intimately involved with Caesar, adding depth and tension to the narrative. She provides the much-needed female perspective in this testosterone-heavy narrative, with her own struggles and dilemmas. Each character, trapped in their monotonous urban existence, finds their personal demons resurfacing unexpectedly. They are pushed to navigate through their internal struggles while maintaining the facades of normalcy.

Much like Gitai's other works, Devarim is ultimately more of an emotional journey than a traditional linear narrative, inviting viewers to explore the complexities of human existence through the prism of these troubled yet relatable characters. It studies the fear, uncertainty, loss, and longing that haunt modern urban life and the struggle for identity, making it an engaging watch for anyone interested in Israeli or subsidised literature cinema.

Devarim's narrative presents an unusual exploration of Tel Aviv, painting a diverse portrait of a city often seen solely through a political lens. The city is shown as a mix of modern, fast-paced life with layers of cultural history, where the characters are both tormented and comforted by their surroundings. Gitai uses this backdrop to draw attention to the discord between the city's ever-evolving dynamism and the static existence of its inhabitants.

Devarim is as much about the conversation between the protagonist as it's about observing the silent monologues with themselves. Gitai uses static, long-shots, breaks in the fourth wall, and even the conspicuous silence to capture the essence of lived experiences more effectively than most of the action-driven dialogue alone. However, as the movie progresses, the veneer of 'mundanity' is gradually torn apart, revealing the tragic human desire to belong and be understood.

The film's aesthetics are deeply rooted in realism. The characters speak in their natural accents, and the set designs bear the subtly grim features of everyday Israeli life. Yet, Gitai creates a mesmerising cinematic experience by employing distinctive filming techniques. The cinematography beautifully encapsulates the melancholy, surrealism, and even the inherent absurdity of urban life by masterfully using natural light and shadow.

In essence, Devarim is a thought-provoking cinematic experience that dives deep into the existential questions of belonging, longing, and identity. Its hybridity, stemming from the incorporation of strategies from literature, documentary, and theatre crafts a unique visual language that articulates the film's central themes in an innovative and compelling manner. Its strength lies in its ability to speak volumes in its silence, nudging viewers towards introspection. The viewer comes out richer from this stimulating study of human relationships in an urban setting and a deeper understanding of Israeli society.