Mouthpiece

Mouthpiece is a riveting, thought-provoking, and profoundly emotional Canadian drama film. The movie hit the silver screens in 2018 and was originally conceived by Amy Nostbakken and Norah Sadava as a stage play. They both not only co-wrote the cinematic adaptation but also delivered heart-wrenching performances as the lead characters. The compelling narrative is directed by Patricia Rozema, who successfully transformed this stage play into a visually evocative film.

The plot revolves around the complex and fraught relationship between a mother (played by Maev Beaty) and her daughter Cassandra, who is portrayed by both Nostbakken and Sadava in dual roles. This unique narrative style is employed to deftly explore and illuminate the character's inner conflict, duality, and emotional turmoil. The film adopts this inventive structure to encapsulate the various facets of a woman's personality.

As the story unravels, we find ourselves following the life of Cassandra, in the wake of her mother’s sudden death. The different parts of Cassandra's character are played by the two actresses, who often occupy the same scene, even the same clothing, conveying different aspects of her in a poignant and innovative way. Each actress expresses disparate parts of her personality, sometimes clashing and at others, uniting to face the same experiences and crises.

Amy Nostbakken and Norah Sadava manifest Cassandra's emotional reactions in the most volatile and vulnerable stages of her life. The stark contrast between the two characters explores a wide range of emotions like anger, fear, resentment, love, and regret, reflecting the real-life complexities experienced by many women. The strength of Cassandra’s character is reflected in the phenomenal performance by both actresses.

Maev Beaty, who plays the role of Cassandra's mother, Elaine, does a remarkable job of depicting a woman who is struggling with dual responsibilities. She symbolizes societal standards that both inspire and confine Cassandra, contributing to the duality of her character.

The film also does an outstanding job at highlighting the generational gaps and the societal constraints that surround women and their ambitions, painting a nuanced portrait of femininity - its pressures, its constraints, and its gifts. The narrative is interspersed with flashbacks, offering audiences glimpses into Cassandra's past, providing an understanding of the enigmatic, troubled woman she is today.

The narrative's weighty themes are balanced with the poignant humor that accompanies many real-life narratives. The film's striking visual component, ranging from the theatrical to the radically filmic, also contributes to the dramatic tension and unique style of storytelling. Yet, one of the most captivating elements of this film is its brilliant soundtrack, composed by Amy Nostbakken, which underscores the moods, tensions, and evolutions of the plot.

Mouthpiece is not just a film, but a mirror held up to the society and the individual, reflecting universal realities that are often sidestepped. The cinematic adaptation of the stage play manages to retain the raw and intense feel of a theatrical performance while effectively utilizing the expansive potential of the film medium.

It tackles topics of grief, self-discovery, and the troubling question of one's identity when stripped bare of societal expectations. Mouthpiece makes you reflect, empathize, and contemplate. It’s a beautiful yet stark examination of womanhood, performed convincingly by the talented trio of Nostbakken, Sadava, and Beaty.

The film challenges traditional narrative structures exploring a unique fusion of tragedy and comedy, past, and present, chaos, and harmony. The poignant storytelling, the attention to detail, and the insightful understanding of female complexities make Mouthpiece a captivating and stimulating cinematic experience. Anyone who seeks an original and thought-provoking film with memorable performances would find Mouthpiece to be an intriguing and rewarding watch.