Falling Through

Directed by the talented Englishman, Colin Bucksey, this film is plotted about a State Department investigator who is supposed to prepare a heightened security plan for the U.S. Embassy in Paris, and who deals with determined efforts from varying sources to foil him. There are real attempts to avoid tired formulae, and the viewer enjoys the feeling that there is a concept, or point of view, at hand, although the mid-portion becomes somewhat hackneyed as a sop to "action" devotees. Although the principal acting quartet is adequate, despite the recently acquired and oddly accented English of Ekaterina Rednikova, thespian honours must go to the charismatic Steve Nicolson, whose relationship between him and his family members is nicely ambiguous. Cinematographer Peter Sinclair, along with Bucksey, are able to place some original and interesting shots throughout the early segments of the work, and the rather unexpected final results of all the slapdash goings-on justify more than one viewing.

Apart from having low budgets there is one thing that characterises Canadian films - most foreigners there are played by foreigners. This is true in the case of Falling Through. Russian leading lady played by authentic Russian actress has authentic incomprehensible accent as well as authentic Russian smile.

We see a supposedly Russian family - father and siblings from Republic of Georgia. Brief lesson in history: Georgia used to be a part of USSR and Russia for the last 200 years but it had been an independent country for at least 18 centuries before that and is a separate republic now with different from Russia language, culture and overall appearance of residents.

There are no subtleties in this masterpiece of Canadian cinema. Father looks like an old Russian aristocrat in unexpected poverty and despair, sister represents the venerated image of noble and mysterious Russian lady so familiar from 19th century classical Russian novels whereas brother looks like a caricature on a provincial Georgian tangerine salesmen in a Russian grocery market.

This family for some mysterious reasons consists of Georgian brother, Russian sister and Russian father. It helps to realise the absurdity of such a family if one imagines the similar one consisting of Arab brother and Swedish father and sister.

Filmmakers apparently employed prejudiced consultants in creating the racist and disgusting image of a Georgian man who of course should always wear athletics uniform on a naked torso, look and talk primitive and macho and be a criminal. This image is in striking difference from educated, well dressed, well spoken, sophisticated Russian sister.

It is quiet evident why the Canadian filmmakers had to employ non Georgian actor to play Georgian character. If you've seen "Bamboozled" by Spike Lee you would understand the feeling any Georgian actor must have had if offered the part of Dimitri.

The plot is highly predictable and full of stereotypes. Noble Russian sister is desperately trying to save noble Russian father from Criminal Georgian brother using American embassy workers and not so legal ways.

There are no deep characters in the film, motives are transparent, you always know who will get what - sister will get punished for using illegal methods, brother will get punished for being criminal, wife cheater-illegal alien helper embassy worker will get punished for employing "politically incorrect methods" even though they are used for helping the disadvantaged.

Who does not get punished? Well for starter our hero - Embassy security head for being such a nice and smart boy and poor demented Russian father abused by Georgian son. I was even left breathless for such a brave decision of filmmakers on still letting the sympathetic old man to get to the US - the paradise on earth.

Although cheap, offensive and predictable with the moral suited for the two year olds this film is still strangely amusing to watch for anyone from former USSR. For even more offensive portrayal of Georgians, this time by Hollywood, check the 1988 film "Red Heat" starring Arnold Schwarzenegger.

After getting my hands on the Russian/English DVD release from hkflix I was a little hesitant. However, this film really shone through. A fantastic blend of corruption scandal, Russian gangsters and brief love story make this film a must see. Noteworthy first appearance by Ted Tibhanham as an extra in the scene when Lou leaves the hotel (was with Kateryna inside) and has an argument with Peter before departing in a Parisian Taxi.

Excellent directorship from Colin Bucksey, Roy Scheider the charmer as ever. Great atmospheric locations in Luxembourg too.

Go see this film now!