Papa: Hemingway in Cuba

Papa: Hemingway in Cuba is a 2015 Canadian-American drama film set against the mesmerizing and picturesque backdrop of Cuba. The unique and captivating feature of the movie is that it is based on the actual events of Ernest Hemingway’s life in Cuba; it is the first Hollywood film to be shot in Cuba since 1959. The director, Bob Yari, offers viewers a glimpse into the life of the legendary author, masterfully calibrating drama, tragedy, romance, and adventure while beautifully showcasing the nexus of personal and political upheavals.

Adrian Sparks exquisitely plays the role of Ernest Hemingway—an iconic American novelist, short story writer, and journalist—bringing his charisma, grandiosity, and distinctive charm to life. Sparks’ rough and gruff voice, burly physique, and penetrating expressions capture the enigma that Hemingway was, mapping his internal retreat and decay towards the final years. Joely Richardson plays the part of Hemingway's faithful yet strained wife, Mary Welsh Hemingway, with grace and subtlety, reflecting her own internal turmoils in the deteriorating health conditions of her husband.

The plot unfolds with Giovanni Ribisi, who portrays the character of Ed Myers—an ambitious Miami-based journalist, struggling with his own demons and chasing his dream of writing. Inspired and deeply influenced by Hemingway's work, Myers writes a fan letter to his idol, not expecting a response. Surprisingly, he receives an invitation from Hemingway himself and amid swirling doubts and overwhelming excitement, Myers steps onto Cuba's soil and into Hemingway's tumultuous life.

The relationship between Myers and Hemingway forms the crux of the movie, evolving from hot-and-cold to a profound mentor-mentee bond. Through Myers' eyes, the audience gets an unprecedented view of Hemingway's personal life intertwined with times of political unrest in Cuba. As Myers further delves into Hemingway's sphere, he captures the essence of the writer’s magnetism, the distress beneath the bravado, and the perils of his looming personal struggles.

This film offers a nuanced picture of Hemingway’s persona beyond his public image, as the narrative plunges into depicting Hemingway's struggle with chronic depression, alcoholism, and the torment of a deteriorating mind. Centering around the final years of Hemingway's life, the film provides a sobering reflection on his battle with mental health and subsequent suicide.

Through Papa: Hemingway in Cuba, viewers also get a snapshot of the socio-political currents in Cuba during the onslaught of a revolution. As Hemingway's personal life spirals downward, so does the political stability of Cuba, remarkably drawing parallel lines between the two narratives – one of a man and the other of a nation.

Authentic in filming locations, the film very adeptly engages the beauty of nature and the grandeur of landscapes, using them as a crucial tool to resonate with the persona of Hemingway himself. The rustic charm of Cuba, with its vibrant culture and tumultuous history, serves as a fascinating backdrop for the drama to unfold. As you move forward in the story, Hemingway's villa (an actual location called Finca Vigía), becomes more than just a setting - it becomes a character in itself, encapsulating the charm, spirit, and desolation of its owner.

Giovanni Ribisi commendably carries the role of a young, ambivalent, and wide-eyed Myers who finds himself caught in the eye of the storm, trying to navigate his relationship with Hemingway, his growing affections for his wife, and wrestling with the startling reality overshadowing his idol’s invincible image. Sparks’ portrayal of Hemingway stands as the hub of authenticity in the film, capturing the literary giant's vulnerability with sufficient conviction and tenderness. Richardson's potrayal of Mary Welsh portrays an absorbing study of a partner's helplessness in dealing with her spouse's mental health struggles.

Papa: Hemingway in Cuba is a complex and touching film that gives viewers a beautiful yet heartbreaking glimpse into the world of one of the greatest writers of our time. It's an earnest attempt to explore the man behind the legend, humanizing Hemingway and cloaking him with frailties and pain. The narrative, brought to life with powerful performances and estranged setting, makes it a film worth the watch.