Falling Angels

Falling Angels is a coming-of-age film that captures a dramatic theme of family relationships in a suburban Canadian setting. Set in the late 1960s, the movie unravels the dynamics of the Field family, offering viewers a deep dive into their lives. The movie was directed by Scott Smith, and based on a novel written by Barbara Gowdy, making it a remarkable transition from page to screen while maintaining the dramatic aura, wit, and depth of the original story.

Falling Angels revolves around the lives of three sisters, Norma, Lou, and Sandy Field. They grow up in a strict, disconnected, and confusing household affected by a tragedy in their past. With each sister representing a typical character in many dysfunctional families, the audience is allowed an intimate view into their world. Their personalities and methods of coping with their unusual upbringing successfully exemplify the competitive, isolating and often impenetrable nature of sibling relationships within a troubled family.

Their repressed mother, Mary Field, played by Miranda Richardson, coerces her daughters to adhere to very strict and traditional gender roles typical of the time. Richardon's impactful performance onscreen provides a complex depiction of a woman battling deep sorrow and eternal disconnection from her children, which adds depth to the movie's narrative.

Dad Jim Field, portrayed by Callum Keith Rennie, is an unpredictable and emotionally unavailable World War II veteran, who likes to obsessively build bomb shelters. His war experiences have left him disturbed, and his PTSD entails explosive outbursts that oscillate between futile attempts at fatherly connection and detached discipline. The audience gets a challenging view of an individual trying to rear his children while dealing with personal turmoil, thus making the character relatable and thought-provoking.

As the three sisters begin to discover their individuality and femininity, their silent battle against the family's dark past and the truth of an old tragedy begins to take shape. The movie strategically places its subplot of the family's past and veiled secrets unveiling through the eyes of the daughters, which escalates the plot to new heights.

The 1960s context provides an effective backdrop against which the intimate details of the family's life play out. The period details are flawlessly incorporated without overwhelming the main storyline, subtly underscoring the social paradoxes of that era. The musical soundtrack, featuring tunes from the late sixties, offers the perfect complement to the period setting, lending authenticity and emotional depth to the film.

The cinematography of "Falling Angels" is magnificent, often dramatically portraying the starkness and isolation of the girls' lives against the colourful and optimistic 1960s setting. The precision in shot composition and focus on visual storytelling engage the viewers deeply and leave a lasting impact.

The supporting characters and subplots provide supporting structures to the storyline and contribute significantly to the narrative’s depth and complexity. The movie is peppered with humor, sadness, and an array of emotions that strike a balance between the dramatic exploration of the family's bitter-sweet struggles and their quest for independence and identity.

The movies’ exploration of themes such as family, sibling rivalry, teenage angst, mental health, and the journey towards familial resolution provides a holistic portrayal of a family's journey through dysfunction to resolution. There is a permeating sense of melancholy that resonates with viewers, making the narrative more impactful.

Overall, "Falling Angels" leaves an indelible mark on the viewer's mind, offering a slice-of-life perspective of a family grappling with past traumas and a journey towards healing. It beautifully intertwines the struggles and joys of adolescence with the deeply rooted effects of a tragic history. The performances, direction, and immersive cinematography make "Falling Angels" a worthwhile watch for anyone who appreciates a deep, thought-provoking storyline, strong performances and an insight into family dynamics.