Films > Film Reviews

Youth

02/02/16

With great beauty comes this comedy/drama about life. It’s a very gentle affair with a sort of slow amble of a story, but the way it looks and acted makes this Italian/English language film a worthwhile and stylish study on the issue of age.

Retired composer Fred Ballinger (Michael Caine) is staying at a spa/hotel resort in the Swiss Alps, it also happens that one of his close friends is too. Mick Boyle (Harvey Keitel) is an ageing director. The pair of them discuss their past, their future and what they’re known for.

Paolo Sorrentino directs this promenade of cinema with the precision of a maestro to rival Ballinger. The scenes move with fluidity and practically every moment is full of classy detail. After his astounding and Oscar winning 2013 movie The Great Beauty it’s clear this man is someone to watch as he knows how to make a film look stunning.

It’s like this feature is a lullaby of film-making; the story may not be constantly felt but there’s a larger presence of life that lingers with grace and bitter emotion. Sorrentino also writes for the movie, providing a look at love, loss, life and death and these themes made me feel like I was experiencing something, perhaps not as profoundly as he desired, but at the very least it’s entrancing. There’s a neat absurdity to the writing which is seen amongst the ritualistic movings of the patients in Switzerland or in the comic dialogue.

David Lang rightfully gets a nod in the upcoming Oscars with Simple Song #3. Sound is also important here; it’s very interesting as we hear cowbells or wrappers become tools for the character's behaviour and development.

Michael Caine showcases one of his better dramatic roles. He plays a reserved ,patient composer at times, but bounces against that when necessary with engaging comedic timing. Harvey Keitel is also funny and counters the comedy with the growing concern he has about the directions of his films but also his own life. Jane Fonda is wickedly talented as the dolled up ageing screen gem, Paul Dano is stellar and always impresses me and here is no different; he’s watchable even when silent. Rachel Weisz is strong as Caine’s daughter and gives the most physical emotion to the film with her relationship drama.

Youth may hover wearily on the verges of brilliance but it’s still a heartfelt operatic piece of cinema with spirited performances and thoughtful beauty.

7.5/10