I don't know why, but for some reason I expected some depressing drivel, but 'The Man with My Face' was pleasant surprise as the film wonderfully balanced drama with quirky dry humor without feeling too far-fetched, sentimental or simply banal. Simple story about self pity and differences between generations were enhanced by beautiful cinematography, and also mesmerizing score by Sten Sheripov.
Hugo (Rain Tolk) is a music critic who breaks up from his unfaithful wife and moves to live in the countryside by the sea. Soon, his estranged father Raivo (Roman Baskin) shows up at Hugo's door and says he is going to die soon. Hugo reluctantly takes his irresponsible childish father in although there has never been proper father-son relationship between them. And the feelings between two men doesn't grow closer even now. Hugo, who still hasn't got over from his broken marriage, meets a therapist Marian who tries to help the man in his troubles. Hugo's father also starts to take the fancy of Marian. Luckily, the film manages to keep the love triangle brief, but realistic and not get too sidetracked from its main focus. Chemistry between three main actors were wonderfully natural and enjoyable. Nice touch was to make father talented and acclaimed jazz musician from the past while his son is musically untalented, but acclaimed music critic.
Beautifully shot and masterfully acted drama that should please festival goers and art house cinema fans, and Estonian cinema admirers alike.
Hugo (Rain Tolk) is a music critic who breaks up from his unfaithful wife and moves to live in the countryside by the sea. Soon, his estranged father Raivo (Roman Baskin) shows up at Hugo's door and says he is going to die soon. Hugo reluctantly takes his irresponsible childish father in although there has never been proper father-son relationship between them. And the feelings between two men doesn't grow closer even now. Hugo, who still hasn't got over from his broken marriage, meets a therapist Marian who tries to help the man in his troubles. Hugo's father also starts to take the fancy of Marian. Luckily, the film manages to keep the love triangle brief, but realistic and not get too sidetracked from its main focus. Chemistry between three main actors were wonderfully natural and enjoyable. Nice touch was to make father talented and acclaimed jazz musician from the past while his son is musically untalented, but acclaimed music critic.
Beautifully shot and masterfully acted drama that should please festival goers and art house cinema fans, and Estonian cinema admirers alike.
