In 1955, the Palme d’Or was awarded to the future Best Picture Oscar winner, Marty, starring Ernest Borgnine and Betsy Blair. This heartwarming film tells the story of two lonely middle-aged adults who embark on a tentative relationship in search of love. Similarly, David Lean’s Brief Encounter, which won the top prize at the first Cannes festival in 1946, also explores the theme of two adults who meet by chance and fall in love. Both of these Cannes Classics share a common thread with Aki Kaurismaki’s latest film, Fallen Leaves, which premiered at Cannes today. This poignant and wryly funny film is a masterpiece from one of the great humanist filmmakers. It tells the story of two lonely people who meet by chance and embark on a star-crossed relationship.
Kaurismaki is a master of deadpan dialogue and his well-chosen actors deliver their lines with precision. He is a keen observer of human behavior and this film is the fourth in his celebrated working-class trilogy. Fallen Leaves is a droll tragicomedy that is also inspired by the state of Europe and the world, particularly the war in Ukraine. The film celebrates life and love, not war, and reminds us that finding a soulmate is the only thing that matters when the world is falling apart around us.
The film follows the story of Ansa, a middle-aged single woman who seems to go from one dead-end job to another, and Holappa, a construction worker who drinks heavily and keeps to himself. They meet by chance and begin a tentative relationship, but fate intervenes and they are separated. Will they ever find happiness on this miserable planet? Kaurismaki doesn’t go for typical Hollywood plotting in this film, but he does deliver a satisfying ending that will leave you smiling.
The film’s title comes from a lyric in the song, “Autumn Leaves,” and perfectly describes the plight of Ansa and Holappa. Alma Poysti and Jussi Vatanen are perfectly matched in the lead roles and deliver outstanding performances. Janne Hyytiainen and Nuppu Koiua provide excellent comedic relief as the sidekicks. The film is a true gem and deserves recognition for its outstanding direction, casting, and storytelling.
Title: Fallen Leaves
Festival: Cannes (Competition)
Director-Screenwriter: Aki Kaurismaki
Cast: Alma Poysti, Jussi Vatanen, Janne Hyytiainen, Nuppu Koiua
Running TIme: 1 hr, 23 mins
Sales agent: The Match Factory
