by Shane Conto, Staff Writer
Who is Udo Kier? I can almost guarantee that you have seen him at some point in films over the years. This German actor has over 270 acting credits to his name on IMDB, including some of the most under-appreciated and under-the-radar flicks of the past 20 years. I distinctly remember him popping up in a small role in Michael Bay’s Armageddon as a psychologist who does not know who Jethro Tull is (disappointing Owen Wilson in the process). How do I remember such a small role so distinctly? Kier has such a distinct look and an instantly recognizable voice that makes him a perfect addition to any film. Over the past few years, Kier has finally gotten a chance to shine in The Painted Bird and Bacurau. But will this film be… his Swan Song.
What makes this such a special film in the long and varied career of Kier? Swan Song is Kier’s film. He is the lead and appears in every scene. It gives him the chance to prove what he can do, which is something special. Kier delivers a spectrum of emotions. This film finds his character, Pat, in a nursing home. Pat is just a shell of his former self, and Kier can portray that sadness and dissolution so well. He was once a flamboyant and confident hairstylist, but now he sits ill in his room, trying to hide his cigarette smoking. Then one fateful day, a figure from his past comes to offer him one last job… to do the hair of his former friend and client for her funeral. This action sparks new life in Pat as he escapes and rediscovers himself. Along the way, Kier channels sadness, confidence, melancholia, and anger into a deep and dynamic leading character. It is easy to say that this is the crown jewel performance of his career.
But what happens along this crazy journey that we get to share with Pat? Writer-director Todd Stephens can structure a sometimes meandering trek across a small town in Ohio, but always a fun and meaningful one as well. The dialogue in this script is on point. There are quite a few moments of hilarious exchanges, including moments like Pat buying cigarettes from a stern Mid-Western man and him entering a Black-owned hair salon. Pat’s interactions come off so genuine and committed at every moment. Basically, anyone that Kier interacts with, there is chemistry. There are plenty of emotional beats in the film that advance this journey for Pat as he confronts past relationships. This sentiment mixed with melancholy hits in such a moving way, completely anchored by Kier and his fellow actors. The highlight of the film is one last night of partying for Pat at a drag show. Next to the finale of Another Round, this just might be the most moving and cathartic moment in cinema in the last few years.
When we reach the end of this small town exodus, do we get a satisfying conclusion? Stephens has delivered a raw and emotional journey with Swan Song, and you can feel it from start to finish. There are plenty of engaging and engrossing moments that are captured with top-notch framing and lighting. Pat has plenty of interactions throughout this film and each one provides something special and meaningful. But at the end, Pat’s journey reaches a natural and satisfying conclusion (which is punctuated by the career-best performance by Kier).
This unabashedly LGBTQIA+ story sees an aging gay man find himself again after so much loss. The audience is treated to this revitalization, which is deeply moving (Kier kills it in his wonderful outfit by the end of the film). Swan Song has so many things going for it and so few flaws. This drama delivers love, loss, and life in a creative and fun way. I laughed… I teared up… I loved this film.
Grade: A-