Funny Face

Funny Face is a gripping indie drama film released in 2020. Directed by Tim Sutton, the film features the talents of British actor Cosmo Jarvis as the lead character, Saul, and Dela Meskienyar as Zama, his best friend. The film also showcases SNL alum Barzin Akhavan in a significant role.

The movie title might suggest a light-hearted comedy; however, Funny Face is a powerful presentation of the harsh realities of modern life and a stark portrayal of the desperation felt by individuals as they struggle against their circumstances, metamorphosing into an affecting narrative that leaves a deep impression on its audience.

Set against the backdrop of contemporary Brooklyn, New York, the film scrutinizes the effects of the harsh realities of urban gentrification on the lives of its central characters. Saul is a young man who's seen his entire neighborhood undergo a complete transformation, from authentically grungy and vibrant to sterile high-rise condos and coffee shops. He is struggling to retain his sense of self, while felt being engulfed by the uncontrolled wave of gentrification that affects his life on multiple fronts, altering everything he has known and loved.

Saul's friend Zama, a young Muslim woman, is fighting her own battles in her conservative family while trying to embrace the modern world around her. She is a stark contrast to Saul, attempting to balance on the fine line between her heritage and the encroaching modernity, offering a unique perspective to the story.

Owned by a corporate mogul, his boss pressures Saul to abandon his morals and heritage in order to serve the capitalist agenda. On the other hand, Zama is under the stringent scrutiny of her older brother, who is determined to arrange her marriage according to traditional values. Their struggles highlight the broader context of human needs versus corporate greed and social norms versus individual dreams and desires, making the film highly relateable.

Funny Face delves into the world of rebellion against the corporatization of Brooklyn. Out of frustration, Saul resorts to donning a menacing mask, hence the title. The mask becomes a symbol of Saul's angst and resistance against the ever-encroaching force of capitalism. The visual representation of his turmoil offers a semblance of intrigue and suspense for the audience.

On the other hand, Zama starts to challenge the forced narrative of rigid cultural norms. This slightly disobedient approach provides a parallel but relatable identity crisis that gives a profound depth of the film, making it a full-bodied exploration of identity, roots, rebellion, and recognition of the self.

The film stands out both in its narrative complexity and in its aesthetic appeal. Shot in various locales across Brooklyn, Funny Face makes full use of its environment. The dark alleys, the crowded streets, the sleek new buildings, and the fading old establishments, all serve as the backdrop for the desperation and frustration that the central characters experience.

Both protagonists, Saul (Cosmo Jarvis) and Zama (Dela Meskeniyar), deliver convincing performances. With minimal dialogue, they effectively express the frustration and hostility that exists within them because of the surroundings they find themselves in. Cosmo Jarvis, especially, stands out with his heartfelt portrayal of a young man beaten down by modern-day capitalism. His transformation into a faceless entity of rebellion is both haunting and impactful.

Paired with its narrative intensity is a distinctive and memorable score, featuring songs that augment the screenplay's tone, enhancing the undertones of emotion, rebellion, and crisis that seep through the scenes. At each culmination of conflict, the score amplifies, reinforcing the unease associated with the struggle against contemporary societal norms and structures.

Funny Face is not your typical drama-filled blockbuster. It's an intense arthouse cinema experiment meant to evoke thought and provoke conversation. The movie swings between reality and symbolism, individualism and collectivism, conformity and rebellion – making it a gripping watch from beginning to end. It is a tale that is not only closely rooted in reality but also a metaphorical representation of struggle, of fighting against the tide, and retaining one's individuality. It is a cinematic piece that reflects resistance against the erasures of identities in the contemporary world.

In conclusion, Funny Face is a film that aims to rekindle the sparks of individuality amidst the stifling confines of modern society. It leaves an indelible imprint on the viewer with its fascinating narrative and visceral performances, serving as a poignant reminder of the power of resistance against formidable odds. Profoundly philosophical and tragically poetic in its presentation, the movie is a compelling documentation of the struggles faced by those trying to find their identity in an ever-changing world.