When you hear that other critics are describing "On a Clear Day" as an inspiring tale based on a true story, you'll probably feel a wave of dread and reluctance to see it. You might assume that this one, like so many movies pouring out of Hollywood, will be just another cookie-cutter story about a heroic individual who overcomes adversity like any of today's other oh-so-trendy underdogs.
And, in truth, your original impression may prove correct, with the exception of this film's incredible execution. So grab your closest Scot-loving-artsy-film-fanatic friend and dive into "On a Clear Day."
Frank Redmond (played by Peter Mullan) is this story's heroic underdog: a jobless 55-year-old Scot who has strained family relationships with his wife, Joan (Brenda Blethyn), and his son, Rob (Jamie Sives). This tension, which began when the couple's other son, Stuart, drowned at age seven, is increased by Frank's recent unemployment and his continuing reluctance to open up to his family after decades of working 12-hour days.
These 12-hour days are all for naught, however; Frank is fired. After a resulting panic attack, he takes up the dream of swimming across the English Channel. Unsurprisingly, the movie centers on how Frank's dream has a positive effect on the relationships with his family and friends, inspiring them to chase dreams of their own.
Aside from the movie's predictable development and ending, the only other concern that needs to be addressed is that of the actors' Scottish accents, which are occasionally difficult to understand. Because the movie has very serious undertones, it's disappointing to miss a line during a very dramatic speech.
Discounting for a moment the pleasure of watching Billy Boyd play the role of Frank's friend Danny Campbell, who provides quirky and lovable comic relief, the best part is Gaby Dellal's amazing directing style, which is particularly evident in the film's dramatic scenes. These sequences depict Frank's flashback of the events that preceded Stuart's death in a combination of beach images - the sea, the sand and the seagulls - as well as frightening pictures of the two young brothers splashing around in the water.
Filmed with strange angles and edited in abrupt fragments, these scenes perfectly imitate the images and moments that are snatched and recalled by memory. Although the entire flashback isn't shown until almost the very end of the film, choice bits and pieces of the scene are riddled throughout the entire movie, haunting the audience the way the recollection of the tragic event must haunt the protagonist.
The dialogue ranges from utterly heartbreaking, such as when Joan expresses how betrayed she feels by Frank's lack of openness ("I've never asked for anything from you, but your honesty I took for granted") to downright hilarious (Mad Bob, revealing a large scar on his forearm: "Shark. Thirty-five footer." Danny Campbell, pointing to a minor scratch on his elbow: "Fell off my bike. Two-wheeler."). The actors deliver their lines masterfully, creating realistic characters who are tragic and endearing; for example, Joan keeps her new job a secret to avoid emasculating her husband when he can no longer provide for their family.
"Inspired" probably isn't the best word to describe how you'll feel walking out of the theater, because you won't have any particular desire to go swimming after you see "On a Clear Day." "Touched" is much more accurate, considering that whenever you think of the movie, you'll have the same feeling you get when you listen to the "Titanic" soundtrack: an overwhelming desire to cry and hug your mom. The combination of terrific acting, moving dialogue and haunting direction make this film more than just inspiring - it's awe-inspiring.
But remember to bring a box of tissues. You'll need them.
