The Possibilities Are Endless

The Possibilities Are Endless (2014) is a poignant and inspiring documentary that charts the life, struggles, and remarkable comeback of the influential Scottish musician, Edwyn Collins. Non-linear in nature and adopting a unique storytelling method, the film beautifully narrates the journey of this talent, who is best known as the lead singer of the post-punk band, "Orange Juice," and for his international solo hit, "A Girl Like You."

The film's conception revolves around the aftermath of Collins' catastrophic double brain hemorrhage in 2005, which left him fighting for his life. Rendered virtually speechless on his hospital bed, Collins was trapped in his own mind, initially left with only two phrases: "Grace Maxwell," (his partner) and "The possibilities are endless." Hence, the film title is a poignant reflection of the struggles, perseverance, and possibility that Collins would have to embrace when charting the path of his recovery.

Inherently experimental in style, directors Edward Lovelace and James Hall blend intimate interviews with dreamy, metaphoric reconstructions of Collins' fragmented mindscape: it is a disorientating swirl of memories and imagination. This mode of genre-bending cinema highlights the depth of Collins' introspection, almost inviting the audience to personally experience the jumbled thoughts and perceptions of a man recovering from brain damage.

The other two protagonists, Grace and their son William Collins, also play pivotal roles. Grace, the ever-constant and devoted partner, who became the centre of Collins' world post his hemorrhage, recounts the hardships and the struggles that came with it, yet emphasising the quiet resilience that allowed them to persevere. William, too, shines a light on the intimate familial dynamics and the complexities added due to the unfortunate circumstance.

An inspirational movie isn't complete without a comeback. Though the film is a haunting exploration of memory and identity, it also traces the slow, determined efforts made by Collins to regain his musical capabilities. The film notably features sessions from the recording of his first post-stroke album, "Understated," which serves as an ode to his indomitable spirit.

The directors have few precedents for this kind of intimate, impressionistic portrait that bridges the disconnect between mind and body. The Possibilities Are Endless regales the audience with its metaphor-laden, non-linear narrative, paired with breathtakingly picturesque visuals of the Scottish Highlands, the place that played a healing role for Collins. The film beautifully taps into the ebb and flow of Collins' psyche, blending these landscapes with other events and locations from his past, creating experiential cinema that captures the fluidity and fragmentation of memory.

The film is underscored by a unique melange of Collins' past hits and new performances, creating a poignant backdrop of music throughout. The nonspecific narrative form combined with the belt of poignant music offers an emotional connection, allowing viewers to navigate through the landscape of confusion, hard-won triumphs, and ultimately, inspiration.

In conclusion, "The Possibilities Are Endless" offers a gritty, realistic, yet ultimately uplifting tale of Edwyn Collins' road to recovery from one of the most devastating health events someone can endure. It's a story about acceptance, patience, love, and resilience, portrayed in a notably abstract and atmospheric visual style, painting a profound and intimate portrait of a man's determination to rebuild his life. The life lesson and profound human experience it offers will undoubtely resonate with many, whether or not they are fans of Edwyn Collins or his music.