Diamond Tongues

Diamond Tongues is an enthralling dramatic comedy from 2015 that intricately captures the challenges, hopes, disappointments, and determination of an aspiring actress. It stars the multifaceted Leah Fay Goldstein in the leading role as Edith Welland. This engaging movie also features Abe Sanjakdar and Morgan Osbourne in significant roles, relaying a story of fierce ambition in the face of daunting realities in the world of acting.

Directed by Pavan Moondi and Brian Robertson, the film showcases the tumultuous journey of Edith as she navigates the thorny path of achieving her dreams in the highly competitive opportunity-scarce, independent film industry in Toronto. A journey that promises both an exciting spectacle of dreamy optimism and a dramatic insight into the rigors of the acting industry.

Leah Fay Goldstein, most recognized as the frontwoman of the indie pop group July Talk, deviates from her musician persona and delivers an engaging performance as Edith Welland. Edith, an aspiring actress harbouring big dreams of making it in the film industry, is at the same endearing and exasperating. She projects a determined persona, one that is fiercely committed to her dream, willing to contend with the countless auditions and heart-wrenching rejections that come along the path to stardom.

Abe Sanjakdar and Morgan Osbourne provide strong supportive performances to this narrative, adding depth and complexity to the overall storyline. Their characters serve as conduits to exploring different aspects of the acting world - rejection, competition, rivalry, and the elusive nature of success.

Diamond Tongues is not your typical rags-to-riches story. It not only showcases the glamour and draw of the film industry but also unabashedly presents the harsh realities and the bitter disappointments that are often inherent in the path of dream-chasing. The narrative is simultaneously uplifting and grounding - it daringly takes away the rose-colored glasses often associated with fame and success but also captures the beautiful resilience that is born out of relentless ambition and unwavering dedication.

Leah Fay Goldstein's spirited performance acting as an aspiring actress dreaming of her big break delivers a blend of heartache, paranoia, jealousy, and resilience, offering the audience a riveting character study. She allows us to empathize with Edith's frustrations and cheer for her ever-renewing hope and unwavering faith. At times we wonder whether her ambitious border on delusion, but that's the thing about dreams - they often require a kind of delusional faith, the belief that despite insurmountable odds, success is just around the corner.

The film's cinematography deserves a mention. The directors do a brilliant job capturing the city of Toronto in a new light, presenting a grungy, glittering backdrop for this tale of dreams. The cinematography, paired with a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack, elevates the ambiance of the entire movie, adding depth to the character's emotional journey and offering an immersive experience to the spectator.

Diamond Tongues is a love letter to every artist with a dream in their heart, a story waiting to be told through their craft. It explores the often heartbreaking price that comes with the pursuit of art, the simmering tensions of rivalry, and the grim realities of an industry that often chooses to favor formula over novelty.

It also taps into the personal struggles that artists often face - the constant self-judgment, the gnawing feelings of inadequacy, and ultimately, the existential conundrum of whether one's chosen path in life is worth the constant uphill battle.

In its exploration of ambition, the film reveals a rare authenticity that hits close to home. It fearlessly brings to the forefront the idea that at times, our ambitions can become our own enemies, blinding us to our inner values and true worth.

The film's occasional comedic undertones and biting humour balance out the more dramatic elements. Here, humour isn't just used as comic relief but as a tool to shape the narrative, reflect character dynamics, and express the movie's overall sentiments.

All these elements combine to make Diamond Tongues a must-watch for anyone who enjoys a character-driven narrative that is both emotionally engaging and thought-provoking. Its insight into the acting industry, looked through the lens of ambition and resilience, provides a universal connection - an unflinching look at the struggle, the triumph, and the emotional rollercoaster that defines the journey of every dreamer and their quest for success in their chosen field.