Eversmile, New Jersey

Eversmile, New Jersey, a fascinating film that was released in 1989. Starring the great British actor Daniel Day-Lewis, as well as Mirjana Jokovic and Gabriela Acher. This quirky, off-beat film is best described as a romantic dark comedy. Unusual as the plot might seem, it vividly traces a distinctive journey through the rugged terrains of spiritual discovery and love, with a dash of social commentary that raises questions about modern life, materialism, and social conventions, all through the lens of dentistry.

Daniel Day-Lewis flexes his unparalleled character acting skills playing Fergus O'Connell, a devoted dentist working for the Eversmile New Jersey company. O'Connell rides his motorcycle all across South America, armed with toothpaste and a dream, endeavoring to instill in the largely impoverished populace an appreciation for dental hygiene, and most importantly the need to host a healthy smile. This dental missionary's unwavering commitment to his cause earns him the nickname 'Doctor Molar', an apt name that further enhances the movie's eccentric outlook.

On this journey, Fergus encounters Estella, played by the effervescent Mirjana Jokovic, who hails from an austere religious sect. This connect brings an unexpected turn in the predictable life of our dental missionary. It is with Estella that Fergus uncovers a new layer within himself, going past his crusade against cavities to a much more profound exploration.

The charisma and chemistry between Day-Lewis and Jokovic are undeniably appealing, bringing a sense of depth and credibility to what could have been a trivial proposition on paper. The dichotomy of their contrasting backgrounds brings intrigue and interest to the dynamics of their evolving relationship.

Simultaneously, the film includes characteristically satirical elements. Fergus becomes a healing spectacle in every village that he visits. His sincere crusade to educate people on dental hygiene, coupled with the display of modern dental equipment, leaves the rural villagers awestruck. This aspect introduces a degree of humor and absurdity, offering subtle commentary on the imposition of modern practices and technologies on traditional communities.

Daniel Day-Lewis, as always, delivers a fascinating performance with his trademark immersive approach to character development. His depiction of the zealous dentist Fergus is both humorous and endearing, marked by his Irish charm, and nuanced display of introspection. His portrayal of a man straddling between his passion for oral hygiene, genuine care for the people, and emerging personal feelings offers captivating engagement for the audience.

Despite a storyline that revolves around dental care, Eversmile, New Jersey, is far from being all about teeth. It’s a heartfelt, often amusing exploration of ambitious dreams, defining love, and spiritual awakening. It is as much about the protagonist's inner journey as it is about his physical sojourn through South America.

Shot in the picturesque landscape of Argentina, the movie offers compelling visuals that transport the audience to remote South American towns, giving them a slice of life in that context. The vibrant and rustic ambiance provides a rich backdrop for this unusual narrative．

The screenplay by Jorge Goldenberg and director Carlos Sorin wonderfully brings to life this oddly captivating narrative. Their combined creative force imbues the film with quirkiness, warmth, and perceptiveness. While the narrative evolves in unpredictable, sometimes surreal directions, it always remains grounded in its human connections and poignantly reflective moments.

In conclusion, Eversmile, New Jersey is a genuinely unique cinematic experience. It offers a blend of comedy, romance, and nuanced socio-cultural observations, all wrapped within an unusual storyline. While the idea of dentistry as a central theme might seem uncommon, it's this very eccentricity that makes Eversmile, New Jersey a film worth watching. It's a testament to the transformative power of cinema, the ability to find narrative gold even in the most seemingly mundane of subjects, making Eversmile, New Jersey film a memorable viewing experience.