On 2010-03-03 Aegis Nod, Smalltown, USA wrote: Welcome to the moody and atmospheric vision of Canadian director Atom Egoyan´s vision, his mind and the story behind the true story of Speaking Parts (circa 1989). Dark and sensual, grim and even depressing, though enlightening and well-thought out, Speaking Parts is an intelligent visual feast, both lush and wonderful to watch this unfolding emotional trauma, though at times, slow, takes itself too seriously, even abrupt in its editing, it´s a worthwhile look-see, though not necessarily an easy visual to get through with a few, ´huh?´ parts.
A small, bit play actor with no speaking parts in any of his body of work, Lance (Michael McManus) is waiting for his break-out moment, and finds it when a film crew has chosen the hotel he works at (both as a custodian and part-time gigolo), as its base of operation. Seducing and manipulating the film´s writer, Clara (Gabrielle Rose), he is given his chance, but at the same time, Clara is not wholly without fault, for she too uses Lance to ensure her script stays true to form. As Lance, cold and distant, is finally finding his moment, the woman he works with at the hotel, a love-torn Lisa (Arsinée Khanjian) continues to indulge in her compulsive and aching obsession for Lance. It is to the point that she is wholly consumed by him but interacts with him only at work, and by watching all his silent role parts. As Lance, for the most part, is mostly indifferent and consumed with his own compulsive and obsessive needs pursue his goals, finally realizes the sacrifices made, may not be worth it.
Filled with pseudo-Freudian psychology (both visual and the double-entendres of the dialog) about self-repression, sexual tension and deep yearnings, with the slow and soft techno and heavy organ-like beats of music in the background, this is a film of noir and almost dreary atmosphere with all the most meaningful and even passionate interactions occurring via video/media form. You just know it ain´t going to end well and direction of the story itself can feel like that. Lance is ambivalent, selfish and manipulates for personal gain; the women both lonely and in need of a connection, completion or fulfillment--all which you may despite and hate on the surface, or if you go under that surface, see the underlying crisis of the modern age according to Egoyan: technology as a substitute for real human contact, touch and dialog. At times, it is timeless and raw, and at other times, modern with powerful moments between the main characters, a veneer which is always questionable (is it real, or isn´t it?) as well as more insightful dialog and interactions of Clara with a secondary character, a video-tape clerk Eddie (Tony Nardi), which add its own, almost, truthful, un-dreamlike and truly thoughtful layers. Seemingly clumsy and confusing, pay attention, watch carefully as it is meant to be watched, the eyes devouring as much as each character does. Then watch it again, and again, and again.
Speaking Parts is not about love or a love story, but about basic human emotion, projection and expression of those human emotions, and how a simple thing can become so complicated, twisted, breaks down and destroys. It´s about saying nothing versus saying something and having it mean nothing, and the message is left up to the viewer. It´s well played, though can be overly scripted and it´s a concept that you will either appreciate or just find haphazardly put together or quite dull. While I see the intentional heavy-handed role of how technology interferes with human interactions and the disconnect that technology encourages between people, it was not my take on the film but the sharp and stark performances of the characters and the look of the film which was a character all on its own, with an ending I´m still not sure about. I liked this film, and I´m still trying to *understand* it.
The special features (including director´s commentary, interview and biography of Atom Egoyan and deleted scenes), are a must, especially for any die-hard fans, and which further broadens the film´s intent and how the story behind the story came together.. And summed up by saying Obsession, lies and videotapes.. Currently Speaking Parts has an overall rating of 8 over 10.
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Zeitgeist Films claimed Haunting images and obsessive sexuality merge in the film which confirmed Atom Egoyan s status as one of the most talented directors of his generation. This disquieting and enthralling postmodern thriller entwines its characters in a dangerous web of psycho-sexual desire. Lance is a movie extra looking for his first speaking film role, and when the alluring Clara, an idealistic television writer, checks into the hotel where Lance works, he seduces her into casting him in the film she is working on. Meanwhile, Lisa prowls video stores, only interested in viewing and reviewing the movies in which Lance appears as an extra. Both the look and impact of video on our lives vibrate in this richly photographed film, so penetrating and original that it begs to be watched again and again.
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