Harlequin

Harlequin is a fantastical-thriller movie that takes its inspiration from the reputed 19th-century story of Russian monk, Rasputin. Released in 1980, the Australian film, which also goes by the name 'Dark Forces', combines elements of mystery, supernatural, and political thriller in its narrative. The movie stars the international acting stalwarts Robert Powell, David Hemmings, and Carmen Duncan, under the artistic direction of Simon Wincer. The film vividly embodies a unique blend of surrealism and political power-play against the backdrop of a mesmerizing Australian setting.

Harlequin begins by introducing the Rast Family, who is at the center of the unfolding narrative. Senator Nick Rast, portrayed by David Hemmings, is an influential political figure whose wholesome family life with his loving wife, Sandra, brought to life by Carmen Duncan, is attempting to grapple with their son's mysterious illness. Young Alex Rast, played by Mark Spain, suffers from leukemia and other medical anomalies that experts can't seem to resolve.

With the strains of his political career and the worry for his ailing son, the Rast family's life takes an unexpected turn with the sudden appearance of Gregory Wolfe, played by Robert Powell. Wolfe is an enigmatic stranger with mystical healing powers, who miraculously manages to turn around the deteriorating health of the young Alex, consequently becoming a mysterious yet indispensable part of the Rast household. His use of psychotronics, an amalgamation of psychology and electronics, is transfixing, contributing to the overall eerie ambiance of the movie.

As Wolfe continues to forge an unexplainable bond with the Rast family, unsettling facts about his character and intentions emerge. His uncanny resemblance to the infamous faith healer Rasputin, his inexplicable healing abilities, and his increasingly close association with Alex and Sandra start painting an unsettling picture.

Dotted with metaphysical elements and a somewhat political subtext, the movie draws on the power dynamics at play, sending the audience on a rollercoaster ride of mystery and intrigue. As these seemingly disparate elements intertwine, they start unravelling a much larger conspiracy that threatens to disrupt the sheer fabric of their reality and the political landscape. This raises the question of whether Wolfe is a benign savior or an ominous harbinger of chaos and destruction.

The inherent tension in the movie is ramped up notably by the commendable performances of the lead actors. Robert Powell flourishes as Gregory Wolfe, portraying the multifaceted character with subtlety and finesse. David Hemmings as Senator Rast also illustrates the struggles of a father, a husband, and a senator with intricate detailing, while Carmen Duncan as Sandra Rast holds her own, expertly portraying her character's desperation and curiosity.

Throughout the movie, the beautifully shot Australian landscapes offer a naturalist tinge to the storyline's latent supernatural undercurrent. However, Harlequin is more than just a visual masterpiece; it is also a soundscape delight. The thoughtfully composed music by Brian May, not to be confused with the Queen guitarist, serves as a rich backdrop to the film's remarkable visual narrative. It's indeed the interplay of sights and sounds that ensures that Harlequin isn't your typical thrills-and-spills tale, but a thought-provoking movie that delves deep into questions of faith, power, and the unknown.

In the end, Harlequin challenges viewers to question the depth of their belief and the power dynamics they might circumstantially find themselves in. As it balances the real with the surreal, the ordinary with the extraordinary, and the mundane with the mythical, it unfolds as a fascinating exploration of the human condition when faced with elements beyond human comprehension. It's a cinematic experience that's sure to stick with viewers much after the credits roll. The film thus ensures viewers' riveted attention as it walks the tightline between disbelief and faith, with a touch of political intrigue thrown into the mix.

Despite occasional veering off into the realm of extreme fantasy, Harlequin grounds itself with its nuanced performances, compelling screenplay, and a story that is as intriguing as it is disconcerting. One thing is sure – few will finish watching Harlequin without having their perspective of power, belief, and the unknown irrevocably changed.