Snow Cake

Juicelog Wed 011106: Dan C. suggested that I checked out Marc Evan’s Snow Cake and so I did tonight. This comedy drama looks at the catharsis of ex-convict Alex’s (played by Alan Rickman) emotions following a tragic car accident with the death of Vivienne (young hitchhiker teenager who he picks up in a motorway café). Trying to deal with his grief, Alex goes ends up in Wawa to seek out Linda (taken on by Sigourney Weaver) who is the high-functioning autistic mother of Vivienne.

Alex doesn’t have much dialogue in his role but it’s what he doesn’t say in those awkward moments between him and Linda produces a very captivating chemistry. As the exterior of both these characters slowly melts away, their innermost fears slowly seep out through the cracks along their healing journey. The soft tone and soft texture of Rickman’s voice are delivered in a beautiful understated British accent. Weaver does well in showing Linda as a strong feisty independent women with oddities.

The film is not as depressing as it sounds as there are some comical quirky moments interlaced throughout the film. A lot of the sadness is quite touching and emotionally beautiful. Not my cinematic highlight of the year but the stunning performances and thoughtful script is a memorable minor piece of work.