Nil by Mouth - Gary Oldman (1997)

I am not sure many people are aware that Gary Oldman has directed a film. A good one too.

Actors directing isn't always a good idea, especially because they often try to act in their own films. (I can't help thinking of Clint Eastwood). But in this case, it works very well, mainly because the story is very personal to Oldman: he wrote the film inspired in his own life and experiences living in South London. It is truly one of those films born from the exorcism of someone's demons - might explain why he didn't direct anything else again. There's also a compasionate, loving, way of seeing the story, Oldman isn't judgemental about violence, drug addiction, alcoholism... that's how the lives of these people are, it just happens like that even if they don't want to do it.

The story in Nil by Mouth is built through the characters, a very clever way to face a film if you're an actor directing for the first time. It seems most dialogues and situations were discovered during rehearsals, also the strong bond between characters and how familiar they are with each other can only be built this way. Even though the narrative doesn't develop like the usual storyline, there are key moments and there is what most people would call a conflict.

Of course the performances are the main strength of this film. They are all excellent and well chosen for their roles. But the cinematrography is very interesting too. It was made in 1997 so it has that Dogma influence, in this case it goes very well with the story, the restless camera, the raw use of light... it's not as stylish as bigger films but I think it's very well done. Mike Leigh meets Dogma 95.

Nil by Mouth

The Apostle - Robert Duvall (1997)

Robert Duvall wrote, directed and produced this film. He also acts. And he really is this film.

I'm always a little suspicious about actors directing, it seems to me that they tend to direct actors and let all other aspects of filmmaking to the crew and take the credit. In this case Duvall does a really great job.

The story is simple: a religious man, who belongs to those churches that rely on their leaders being charismatic, has his own personal devils. It's about a someone who shelters in religion but the good thing is that the film doesn't judge him for his sins, we are supposed to think about it. Can people do something bad and still be good people?

It's a relatively small film, nice to watch, warm colours, with lovely sound atmospheres. The best thing about it are the performances: Duvall, who is really a preacher who would convince and win over anyone, and the non-professional actors. He seems to have chosen them really well. They are not just playing themselves (like non-professional actors should do) but they are also taking their own religiousness into the film which makes them more real, vulnerable and likeable.

The Apostle