by Shane Conto
When we get to the last few months of the year, what are we sure to get a lot of in the world of cinema? Plenty of period pieces of course! The Academy loves them some period pieces and they honor so many of them each year. So it is no surprise that we will be getting a new one, Ammonite, this fall season. But does it check any other boxes? The film features a few talented and Academy recognized actors. There is also a forbidden romance as well. But the biggest question is: does Ammonite standout out in the crowded world of period piece romances? Let’s talk about it.
Director Francis Lee makes his sophomore feature effort with Ammonite and he certainly knows how to create a setting.
The atmosphere of the film is quite somber with a dreary look to the world. The seaside town that the film takes place is overcast and cold as it fits the lonely life of the protagonist, Mary Anning. Lee uses great detail in depicting his story including the use of color. Most of the film is quite desaturated and devoid of primary colors. But as the film’s romance begins to bloom and brings life into both Mary and her lover’s, Charlotte, lives, the clothes they wear bright up to show the growth. The use of clothing and color continues throughout the film as well and helps deepen Lee’s visual storytelling. The film may challenge audiences with its deliberate pace and lack of dialogue through long stretches of the film. But this allows the audience to feel immersed in the lives of the characters. This approach allows their feelings to be expressed through physicality and the leads, Winslet and Ronan, are up for the task. Stephane Fontaine, the cinematographer, is able to use a tender touch with the camera to reinforce it as well. As a whole, Lee is able to create a beautiful and detailed settling to bring his story to life.
At the center of this film sits two women who are like lonely islands, but what brings them together?
Lee is able to create a slow-burning and tender story that sets up this romance so well. Even if the characters might not be the deepest or most interesting of leads, the situation that brings them together packs plenty of emotion. Mary is a paleontologist who is completely absorbed in her work, including leaving a potential partner on the table in Fiona Shaw’s Elizabeth. Lee uses subtly towards the beginning of the film to capture the layers to the story even if his dialogue may get more heavy-handed as the film goes on. Saoirse Ronan’s Charlotte is a depressed wife who is left in Winslet’s care. The characters clash as one is a self-sufficient and weary veteran of life while the other is too young and inexperienced. Their romance builds through connection and a building of intimacy. They find the realization that they have one another. The film builds up a meaningful story of love and possession. The ending may be a somber affair, not unsimilar to the tone of the film, but it hammers home the film’s themes so well. May it leave some unsatisfied? It just may. Does it get a little too on-the-nose with its symbolism? Unfortunately, yes.
What really makes it all work is the commanding skills of Kate Winslet and Saoirse Ronan.
Winslet has an impressive career filled with commanding performances and Ammonite is another one to add to her resume. Mary is a distant and stern character and Winslet is able to use her facial expressions and physicality to sell those quieter moments that film the runtime of the film. Ronan has started her career with a streak of impressive performances and her role of Charlotte continues that streak. Charlotte is a vulnerable and emotional young woman and Ronan is able to give a raw and moving performance. She is tender and passionate and you can see why Winslet’s armor melts away in her presence. The chemistry between the two performers is off the charts. Along with Lee’s direction, their sexual tension sparks and builds great tension for the film. Their scenes of passion are raw and incredibly believable.
It makes the journey even more tragic as they navigate the roadblocks in their way.
With that all being said, should you take the time to journey into the budding romance of these two women? Ammonite may not offer too many new ideas or break down many period piece trappings, but Francis Lee creates something special with these familiar pieces. Winslet and Ronan are fire together and their spark really lights up Ammonite to be something worth checking out.
Grade: B