With eight Oscar nominations – and no statuettes so far – Glenn Close faces yet another challenge: simulating an 86-year-old paternal grandmother (she’s only 79!) determined to help her granddaughter after the loss of her mother. Inspired by “The Summer Book” (in the original), by Tove Jansson (1914-2001), “Memories of a Summer” incorporates contemplative and nature-oriented images from the Finnish author (“I just want to live in peace, plant potatoes and dream,” he said).
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It is important to warn, in hyper-accelerated times, with people suffocated by the overload of multitasking, of the need to activate contemplation mode to get into the mood proposed by director Charlie McDowel, co-writer with Robert Jones. The setting is unique and challenging: an island in the Gulf of Finland, beautiful in many ways, but devoid of humans.
The movement of the sea, the action of the wind and the vegetation constitute the source of inspiration for the grandmother to share her experiences with the 9 year old little girl. Curious, restless, irresistible, little Sophia (Emily Matthews) enjoys moments of excitement, but does not hide the occasional boredom. Don’t talk about the past.
His father (the great Anders Danielsen Lie, of “The Worst Person in the World”) has a quiet presence – but he makes a point in his paternal role by taking responsibility for a strong storm.
It’s up to Glenn Close to steer the boat, bent back, cane, a nude scene through the trees. Despite her usual brilliance (her eyes don’t lie!), it is unlikely this time that the actress will win an Oscar.
Price: It looks like a little doll.
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