Manners of Dying

Manners of Dying is a 2004 Canadian drama film that brilliantly captures the human condition at its most extreme and desperate states. Directed by Jeremy Peter Allen, written by Yann Martel, and based on Martel's short story by the same name, the movie stars Roy Dupuis, Serge Houde, and Tony Robinow.

The movie digs deep into the moral, ethical, and emotional aspects that surround death, particularly, capital punishment. It presents audiences with an introspective and ardent narrative that attempts to illustrate the varying nuances of human responses when confronted with the inescapable prospect of end-of-life and the system that delivers it.

The central character is Kevin Barlow (Roy Dupuis), a death row inmate. Set against the bleak and weighty environment of the prison, the narrative follows Barlow's imminent fate through the eyes of the prison's warden, Harvey McGiver (Serge Houde). As the warden, McGiver is tasked with the arduous responsibility of overseeing Barlow's execution, leading to a poignant relationship between the two men throughout the film. Dupuis' performance is a gripping display of a man's resistance and acceptance of his destiny, while Houde exhibits the inner turmoil of a man compelled to exercise an unpleasant duty.

The film takes on an innovative narrative style, a distinguishing feature that sets Manners of Dying apart from other films in the same genre. Instead of a linear unfolding of events, it offers variations of Barlow's final hours. The audience is presented with different versions of these hours, putting forth questions about justice, human life, and how differently individuals might react given the same circumstances. The brilliant use of repeating the central narrative further underlines the unpredictability and complexity of human emotions and behavior.

Every small change in each repeated sequence provides a fresh perspective, and each version dramatizes Barlow's fate and McGiver's role in it slightly differently. It's an artful reflection on the fundamental truth about life: the way we live might be significantly different, but how we face death can reveal profound similarities.

As the film unfolds, the viewers catch a glimpse of Tony Robinow, who delivers a compelling performance in a supporting role. The rest of the cast also contributes to the movie's ambiance of dread, anticipation, and reflection, enhancing the sobering effect it exerts on its audience.

Director Allen skillfully creates an atmosphere that is both chilling and emotionally resonant. He magnificently uses the prison setting to augment the overarching theme of inevitable mortality. Allan's direction shines brightly in the scenes where the inevitability of Barlow's fate draws closer, and McGiver grapples with his role in the process.

Contrary to conventional films about capital punishment that often focus on the innocence or guilt of the condemned, Manners of Dying delves into the intricacies of what it means to be human. It's about the struggle to maintain dignity in the face of impending death, the struggle of empathy against duty and the stark reality of what the end can bring.

Manners of Dying delivers strong performances, an engaging narrative style, and a contemplative exploration of humanity's struggle with the concept of life and death. It effectively probes the nature of man's morality and will to survive, while also examining the intimidating and somber reality of the execution process.

This film is a must-watch for those ready to confront their perspectives on mortality and reflect on the vulnerability of human life, without offering direct answers or opinions, but instead leaving the audience to contemplate the different manners of dying. All in all, this film leaves an indelible imprint on its viewers long after the credits roll.