by Shane Conto
What is the perfect word to describe the films that come out of one of cinema’s well respected production companies, Bleecker Street? Classy. No matter the quality of their films, you can always expect a Bleecker Street production to be respected and classy in its execution. The craft that go into their films is impressive and they also have a chance to really surprise you. That is no different for this tragic gay romance hitting theaters near you, Supernova. What else besides a dash of class can make the most of such a film?
Harry Macqueen, an actor and second time director, writes this tragic tale and brings the love to life on the screen with his direction.
Are you prepared to feel some things with this dramatic romance that tackles loss and grief? Macqueen crafts a consistent and emotive tone that pours out tenderness through every scene. This tenderness helps Macqueen develop the needed connection between his characters and the audience holding back some tears. The audience can feel so many emotions throughout the film that are expertly displayed by its actors, whether those emotions are affection, frustration, or grief. The pacing of this 95-minute film may be a bit too intentional for some, but that time allows for these emotions to get rooted deep into the story. This film is not flashy or overly melodrama but it does boast some serious technical beauty, especially from Dick Pope’ photography. There are long tracking shots along beautiful landscapes that help the audience embed in this journey with this couple. And let’s not forget to mention Keaton Henson’s pitch perfect score that lays the groundwork for the drama ahead.
Does Macqueen capture that same level of craft with his words as he does with his images?
There may not be anything particularly flashy about this tale (similar to the direction) but the way the words convey it and how the story is structured delivers well. For a film that focuses so much on human interactions, the dialogue must deliver. The words used by our lead characters, Sam (Firth) and Tusker (Tucci) are earnest and poignant in their intelligence and feeling. Our leads are both highly intelligent and talented in their fields as a musician and scientist. The film steers away from exposition and immerses the audience in the natural dialogue of a long-paired couple. This allows for the viewers to connect so well to the couple…in time for you to feel their pain. There are a few surprises along the way that are delivered in subtle and natural ways which maximize the emotional impact of the story. The film is so efficient in the details it portrays as Sam and Tusker’s professions come into play at significant points in the film that add layers. The finale is especially poignant in the way that it brings the story to a close but our emotions to a proper climax.
Is Supernova the kind of film that will get audiences to flock to the cinema or to their favorite VOD service?
There are not explosions, big action set pieces, or larger than life acts that make you get up and cheer. But what this film can proudly boast is a well-crafted and meaningful journey anchored by two actors at the top of their craft. Firth has shown in his past work that he is a modest yet empowering presence on screen and this film takes his bubbling emotion underneath to great use. Tucci has played a plethora of character roles and rarely gets to stand tall as the emotional anchor and lead of a film. Supernova shows how tragic that is because Tucci is raw and empathetic through every scene. Treat yourself with this emotional journey wrapped in a modest and classy drama that is worth your time.
Grade: A-