Exploring ‘Universal Language’: A Thought-Provoking Review of Matthew Rankin’s Bold Film on Pluralism

Film Review: Universal Language
Director: Matthew Rankin | Cast: Matthew Rankin, Pirouz Nemati, Amir Amiri | Rating: 3.5/5 | Runtime: 89 min

"Universal Language" takes viewers on a surreal journey through an imagined city that feels like a blend of Winnipeg and Tehran. Directed by Matthew Rankin, this film presents three seemingly unrelated stories that share a mysterious connection. For 89 minutes, it blurs the lines of reality, immersing you in a dreamlike experience.

The story begins on a snowy day in Winnipeg, where we peer into a classroom of rambunctious students, shouting in Farsi. A man enters with luggage, visibly disappointed by the chaos. He jokingly asks, "Can’t you at least mess around in French?" This sets the tone for the absurdity that follows.

One narrative thread follows Negin and her sister Nazgol as they find money trapped in ice on their way home. Simultaneously, a tour guide named Massoud engages tourists by showcasing a famous bench topped with an unattended briefcase, humorously declared a UNESCO heritage site. Another plot revolves around Rankin himself, playing a downcast bureaucrat returning to his sick mother in Winnipeg.

The film is filled with bizarre scenes: turkeys wandering city streets, a woman lamenting the unfairness of sharing a bus seat with poultry, and a "lacrimologist" handing out tissues at a cat’s funeral. These moments contribute to the film’s unique absurdist charm.

Set in a world where Farsi and French dominate, the film challenges viewers with its intricate storytelling. Rankin, explaining the film’s essence, states, "It’s an expression of idealistic longing in a binary, rigid age." The melancholic tone permeates the film, reflecting a rejection of nationalism in favor of a pluralistic, universal perspective.

Notes of lyrical beauty shine amidst the dense narrative, inviting the audience to think beyond typical storytelling. While "Universal Language" can be challenging, its enchanting qualities linger long after the credits roll. This film, part of the Red Lorry Film Festival package, sheds light on the complexity of language and emotion in our interconnected world.

In recent discussions, viewers have shared their fascination and confusion on social media, highlighting the film’s ability to evoke strong reactions and diverse interpretations. It seems to resonate with many who are grappling with the complexities of identity and belonging in today’s world.

For further exploration of themes in cinema, check out the American Psychological Association for insights from experts on storytelling’s impact on mental health and society.

Ultimately, "Universal Language" transcends a simple narrative, inviting you to reflect on the boundaries of language and cultural connections in a beautifully absurd way.

Source link

Matthew Rankin, Pirouz Nemati, Amir Amiri, Universal Language movie review, Universal Language movie, Universal Language, Hollywood News, Hollywood Latest News, Hollywood Breaking News, Hollywood Movie Updates, Entertainment News, Entertainment Latest News, Entertainment Breaking News, Entertainment Updates, Entertainment Top Stories