Le Passé (The Past) (French)

Much like I was looking forward to an experience with Gravas, Le Passé (The Past) was probably the most eagerly awaited screening for many at the Mumbai International Film Festival.  I was eager to see Asghar Farhadi in action because I had just heard so much about him after A Separation that it was impossible for me to give this one a pass.  I haven’t seen A Separation yet but I am more prepared for what is in store.

Farhadi lived upto every single cent that he had been billed at.  He grabs you with his attention to detail in barely a few seconds.  There is a conversation that is happening between 2 people at an airport with a glass wall between them and neither can “hear” the other but nevertheless speak.  Now isn’t that what you always experience at an airport? Talk about being rooted in reality.

We are then informed that these 2 people are Ahmad (Ali Mosaffa) and Marie Brisson (Bérénice Bejo – The Artist).   They are an couple meeting after about 4 years which is when Ahmad packed his bags and left.  What is surprising to note, although the objective of Ahmad’s visit is to finalize the divorce, is that the 2 are very civil with each other. Even more so when you realize that Ahmad would be staying @ Marie’s for a day or 2.

Once you get past that, you are put through a whole host of memories and changes that Ahmad will need to cope with.  Up first is Fouad (Elyes Aguis), the 6 year old son of Samir (Tahar Rahim). Samir and Marie have decided to get married – the reason why Ahmad is back.

Samir’s wife is in a coma and has no hope of recovering.  He runs a laundry. Also, Marie has two children from an earlier marriage (before Ahmad) – an elder daughter Lucie (Pauline Burlet) and a younger one, Léa (Jeanne Jestin).  Lucie is not too excited about the prospect of Samir as a permanent fixture.  She is very close to Ahmad.

Having established all these characters in about 30 minutes, Farhadi uses the next 100 to break down every single aspect that can possibly be covered between these people – 6 in all (3 adults and 3 children).  Even the equation between Léa and Fouad – 2 six year olds has not been treated with lesser importance. Of course there are some minor side characters as well like Shahryar and Naiima – Ahmad’s friends who own a café.

Farhadi spent a little while after the screening discussing the movie and his experiences.  While he denied that he makes his movies from personal experiences, how else could a man have such a deep understanding of human behavior? How else could you expect a director to get into a level of explanation that leaves no doubt in the mind of the viewer as to why a particular reaction or why a course of action was taken.  It is mind blowing.

I am told that The Great Beauty is the #1 contender for the Academy Award for the Best Foreign Film.  I missed out on it at MIFF.  But I would really like to watch it simply because I want to know who could make a movie better than Farhadi can? And if this was so good, how good is A Separation? I am going to pick both movies up at the earliest.  I suggest you do as well.  8.5 on 10.  Simply stunning!!!

Watch the trailer on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFTK5yFV0K4