Thursday, June 19, 2008

Down in Heaven

Author(s): James Somerton
Location: NS, Canada

"Down in Heaven"

Directed By: Terry George
Written By: David Arata

Main Cast

Shaun Toub as Ketah Karimi
Ali Hamadi as Muhammad Karimi
Shohreh Aghdashloo as Tari Karimi
Judith Light as Mary Edward
Paul Dano as Frankie Edward
Clive Owen as Frank Edward

Tagline: "What Faith Can Do"

Synopsis: Muhammad Karimi wakes up on the 8th of July. Today he is a man. At sixteen years of age, he is to start his own family, be a true man. He does not believe in this however. He believes that he has a higher purpose.

Mary Edward waits silently in an empty hospital waiting room. Her son is dying. Or maybe already dead? A car accident leaving him with little hope. He had just gotten his drivers licensee. No time to enjoy the freedom. He many never know freedom now. Mary wants to pray but she can't help but think; why pray to a god that would let this happen to her only child?

Ketah and Tari Karimi bid farewell to their son. Perhaps for the last time. He has left home, gone to defend the land from the Infidels. He will die with honor; a martyr. To end one's life for their religion is the greatest honor of all. Ketah and Tari are so proud of their son. He surely will see the face of God soon.

Mary and Frank Edward can't even speak to each other. Divorced for two years and this is what brings them back in the same room together. Mary is falling apart and Frank could care less. A devout Christian for all her life, Mary is now greatly doubting any higher power. Her religion lost forever with the news of her son's death.

Muhammad Karimi lies motionless on the ground. The only trace of life coming from his weak heart beat. Death will come in seconds. He will see God in mere moments. When his parents find out, they will be utterly proud of him and his sacrifice in the name of Ala; God.

Frankie Edward is being lowered into the ground. His mother weeping. His father standing strong. The boy of sixteen, never to be a day older. What they would give to have him back... Why would God take him away?

All a part of the divine plan.

What the Press would say:

"Down in Heaven" is a film that shakes you to your core. Almost made as two complete films in one, "Down in Heaven" tells a story of a mother dealing with her son's possible death, and a story of a family's honor at their son's death. Contrast and contradiction permeate "Down in Heaven" as we see very different people reacting very differently to, essentially, the same event. And how faith and religion plays into it all.

Judith Light plays a woman who's faith in God had been utterly shattered by her son's death. Everything she has ever believed in is completely taken away from her. Light gives a very moving performance that left many an audience member in tears. Her ex-husband, played by Clive Owen, does little to help her situation as he completely ignores her in her greatest time of need. Alternatively, we have Shaun Toub and Shohreh Aghdashloo as the parents of Ali Hamadi, a boy who had vowed to give up his life to protect his religion. These parents are totally at peace with their son's demise, and very proud of it as well. Their religion is what gives them the strength to endure the presence of the Infidels, and is also what drives their son to his final fate. Aghdashloo gives the performance of her career in a completely silent roll. She is noticeably proud of her son's quest but, if you look closely, you can see the remorse in her eyes. Her husband sees this too and punishes her for it. In this harrowing scene, we see the full extent of her dramatic power as an actor. She truly goes above an beyond in this roll.

Terry George directs "Down in Heaven" with the ease and intensity of a master filmmaker. The quiet intensity of the hospital room, the serine battlefield of Muhammad Karimi's death. You feel as the characters feel. No matter what is going on around them. When Muhammad is dying, you don't feel the battle around him. You only feel the impending release. When Frankie Edward is dying, you don't feel the calm of the surroundings, but the intensity between his two parents. Terry George's masterful direction brings the film together beautifully. It is a film that both affirms and questions faith in god. It bring two separate cultures together and rips them apart. Utterly interesting, even during the long periods of silence. "Down in Heaven" is an extremely moving work of film making.

Possible Nominations

Best Picture
Best Director - Terry George
Best Actress - Judith Light
Best Supporting Actress - Shohreh Aghdashloo
Best Original Screenplay - David Arata

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