FILM REVIEW: Elena

8 out of 10

Dark and difficult decisions for Elena

Elena is the first film I've managed to get to for the 55th BFI London Film Festival which drew me because of its success at Cannes earlier in the year, and the name drop of Philip Glass as its composer. This Russian film directed by Andrei Zvyagintsev is one that goes into dark territory as it follows a devoted wife, Elena, in a struggle with her wealthy ailing husband, and his unwillingness to support her unmotivated son (not of his blood) and dispossessed family. The situation is further complicated by the presence of the wealthy husband's estranged daughter whom he bears financial responsibility for, despite her dissent towards him.

The couples blind devotion to their own children, creates the tension and conflict, and a situation unfolds where something has to give, and does. The lack of rationality and reason within the characters makes you want to physically shake them all up, but at the same time you empathise in their authenticity and believe in the drama that plays out. The performances contribute greatly to this, and the elongated scenes make it feel as though its not dictated by narrative.

The Philip Glass score for the film, (which was a draw for me as mentioned earlier) was a little disappointing. Its theme featured maybe 3-4 times in the film, and seemed uncharacteristically out of place. In my opinion, it was functioning well enough without a score, and the interludes added a slightly artificial effect. Nevertheless, the film overall was a winner and a good one to watch if in need of a break from others that pander to western prescribed cinematic ideals.