Under the Volcano

Under the Volcano is an evocative and powerful drama directed by John Huston, released in 1984. It is based on the semi-autobiographical novel by Malcolm Lowry, with a screenplay penned by Guy Gallo. The film stars Albert Finney, Jacqueline Bisset, and Anthony Andrews as the key characters, the latter two supporting Finney in a mesmerizing leading role which transcends the ordinary to evoke emotions ranging from pity to terror.

Albert Finney breathes life into the character of Geoffrey Firmin- an ex-British consul drowning in the vicious cycle of alcoholism. His role is a complex one, with his character in the throes of self-destruction, struggling through the quagmire of guilt, sorrow, and despair. The movie depicts Geoffrey’s volcanic inner turmoil, juxtaposed aptly against the backdrop of the actual, simmering and occasionally viciously raging volcano Popocatepetl, which evokes a powerful feeling of impending doom.

Jacqueline Bisset portrays Yvonne Firmin with equal poise, a woman torn between her love for her estranged alcoholic husband and the harsh realities their troubled relationship is enmeshed in. Yvonne returns to the Mexican town of Quauhnahuac with hopes of salvaging their relationship, embodying an oasis of care, tenderness, and love in the parched life of Geoffrey.

Anthony Andrews, on the other hand, plays the role of Halford ‘Hugh’ Firmin, the younger, idealistic half-brother to Geoffrey who has his tangled web of complex emotions and conflicts. He stands as the symbol of indecisiveness, caught in a whirlwind of personal, political, and philosophical dilemmas, which becomes even more complicated upon reuniting with his estranged brother.

Under the Volcano is set against the backdrop of the vibrant yet tumultuous landscape of Mexico on the eve of the Day of the Dead, in 1938. This setting is not just pretty scenery but plays a significant role - almost like a character in its own right. The town, with its surreal parade, bizarre rituals, and lively mariachi music, is a buzzing symbol of life just as the silent yet imposing volcano is a reminder of the crushing inevitability of death and destruction. The Day of the Dead celebration cleverly resonates with the characters’ inner struggles and life scenarios, amalgamating the living with the dead, present with the past and love with despair.

John Huston’s direction in Under the Volcano elevates the film from being a mere character study to a beautifully tragic narrative that encapsulates the painful paradoxes of life. Huston’s storytelling brilliance and keen attention to detail shine through, with every frame, every sequence intending to explore human emotions, existential crises, and the complex human psyche against the surreal backdrop of uncanny realism.

Every aspect of this film contributes to making it a profound exploration of the human spirit, including the superb cinematography by Gabriel Figueroa. His visual storytelling with shadows and lights, the close-ups and long shots, the moving and still frames interleaved seamlessly makes each scene more eloquent, aligning with the essence of the story. Alex North’s score is wonderfully fitting, the entrancing music underscoring the emotions running high in the narrative, adding another layer of depth to this complex film.

In summary, Under the Volcano is an exemplary blend of top-notch performances, a gripping narrative, and stylistic filmmaking. It is an emotionally intense character study of a man grappling with his inner demons, encapsulated within the broader socio-cultural setting of Mexico. The audience is taken on a roller coaster journey through despair, hope, love, loss, and redemption across the film’s duration. This film is a psychological exploration, a harsh critique of self-destruction and a classic drama brimming with an undercurrent of pathos, positioning it as a poignant narrative within the genre of dramatic cinema.