I think for a couple of years there I forgot that Colin Farrell could act, then I saw In Bruges, and watched Minority Report again when it was on tv and remembered that he’s kind of great. Triage was initially a timeslot+director choice for me (fit in my schedule, directed by Danis Tancovic who did No Man’s Land. I’m really happy that I saw this film, and although it doesn’t have US distribution yet (someone buy it please) it will be released in Canada.
First off, this one gave me my first tears of the festival. Usually by this time at least two or three movies have had me crying like a Kanye at an awards show, but so far this year I have been more amused than weepy. I’m sure the Scott Anderson novel is even more of an emotional journey into the most harrowing memories of war photographers, but the movie gave me more than a good taste at 9:00 AM on a Monday morning. The friendship between Mark (Farrell’s character) and David (Jamie Sives) in the middle of the carnage keeps the viewer grounded in the first act, and provides a welcome relief from some of the more heartbreaking scenes in the makeshift field hospital.
Branko Djuric (also from No Man’s Land) gives a fantastic performance as the cold, yet charismatic Dr. Talzani. Watching his character walk through the rows of men with this blue and yellow triage tags you find yourself holding your breath, while his character appears unbothered. You see moments where he reveals what the nature of his work has done to him – the way he asks Mark for a cigarette at one point is part of one of the best scenes in the performance – but for the most part the doctor has to just keep it moving.
Good performances from the entire supporting cast – great job by Christopher Lee as the best grandpa-in-law ever.
PN grade – A-
Be First to Comment