A Sundance-selected indie movie about a man down and out on his luck; California Solo may sound like a cliché, but Marshall Lewy’s picture is not only skillfully constructed and exquisitely shot, but poignant and heartwarming. This is partly down to its harshly realistic script: a glimpse into the world of an alcoholic, estranged father and failed musician.
When Britpop-rocker-turned-farm worker Lachlan (Robert Carlyle) is caught drunk-driving, the state threatens to deport him from the USA, where he has been living for over a decade. Lachlan is forced to confront his ex-wife Catherine (Kathleen Wilhoite) and his 13-year old daughter Arianwen (Savannah Lathem) – both of whom he has not seen in 10 years – and the only people with the power to convince the authorities to let him stay.
Robert Carlyle is one of Scotland’s most talented. Sadly, the man’s international fame peaked with his work for Danny Boyle: in particular, Trainspotting’s Begbie, the world’s favourite sociopath. California Solo is Carlyle’s first lead role in years: arguably, Carlyle’s second chance with Lewy’s indie is akin to Lachlan being given a fresh opportunity to start off a new life.
Masterfully acted, Carlyle injects his character with an unhealthy dose of deep pessimism, acute nostalgia and reckless driving. Our love-hate relationship with Lachlan is intensified by Carlyle’s sincere depiction of the flawed man; arguably, one eventually sympathises with his situation.
James Laxton’s cinematography is breathtaking; from the plush greens of the vegetable farm Lachlan works on, to the softly lit interiors of his house. These idyllic shots help us comprehend and appreciate the value of his rejuvenated life in the USA. California Solo raises the question as to why most low-budget independent films contain more sophisticated lighting and elegant framing and less gratuitous camera movement than several of their higher budget Hollywood counterparts?
Sure, in the filmmaking process, cinematography may not be as important as a clever script but neither is it simply a spoke in the wheel: it is a critical component that has the power to influence the look and feel of a picture. Has Hollywood simply given up on the finer aspects of filmmaking? Or is it because worried audiences won’t notice? One simply hopes we are not witnessing the further decadence of mainstream American cinema…
Five stars. For its spectacular cinematography, accomplished lead actor and heart-rending script.
Stars - ★★★★★
Reviewed by Rehan Mudannayake
California Solo (2012)
Drama
A former Britpop rocker who now works on a farm gets caught driving drunk and faces deportation after living in Los Angeles for many years. His efforts to stay in the U.S. force him to confront the past and current demons in his life.
Director: Marshall Lewy
Writer: Marshall Lewy
Stars: Robert Carlyle, Alexia Rasmussen, Kathleen Wilhoite
enjoyed the movie my self sometime back. Have been always wondering why this kind of movies doesn't top the lists and no doubt it's great acting by Robert Carlyle. I saw him in US drama series " Once upon a time", story is completely fiction but enjoy his acting talent.
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sweet says:
Apr 15, 2013 at 12:00 amenjoyed the movie my self sometime back. Have been always wondering why this kind of movies doesn't top the lists and no doubt it's great acting by Robert Carlyle. I saw him in US drama series " Once upon a time", story is completely fiction but enjoy his acting talent.