"Universal Language," directed by Matthew Rankin, eschews grand gestures and explosive conflicts in favor of an absurdist, comedic, and deeply human exploration of displacement, the fluid nature of identity, and the often-painful search for belonging. This unrated, 89-minute film, presented in French and Persian (with Farsi being the dominant language in an alternate version of Winnipeg) with subtitles, demands a mature audience, not for explicit content, but for its willingness to blend surrealism with cultural commentary, challenging viewers to consider themes of communication and cultural intersections in unexpected ways.
The film centers on Matthew Rankin, playing a fictionalized version of himself, who returns to a surreal, alternate version of his hometown of Winnipeg after an unspecified period abroad. The plot is deliberately understated, eschewing a singular, driving narrative arc, for a series of interconnected storylines and absurdist vignettes that gradually reveal the characters' experiences with displacement, communication barriers, and cultural hybridity. These storylines include, among others, two sisters trying to retrieve a frozen banknote and a tour guide leading absurd excursions. The film wisely avoids providing easy answers or neatly tying up loose ends, instead mirroring the ongoing, often unresolved, process of self-discovery and adaptation, and the inherent absurdity of modern life.
While Matthew Rankin's character is central, the film presents an ensemble cast, each grappling with their own unique, often absurd, situations. The film excels at portraying the characters' internal and external conflicts through absurdist humor, visual gags, and dialogue that highlights communication barriers. The supporting characters, serve as effective foils to each other and to the film's central themes. Rather than being unsympathetic, they are portrayed with a blend of realism and comedic exaggeration, with their own lives and concerns that contribute to the film's overall commentary on cultural hybridity and the search for meaning in a surreal world.
The cinematography of "Universal Language," by Isabelle Stachtchenko, is a key strength. It eschews flashy visuals in favor of a deliberately artificial and geometric style, reminiscent of directors like Wes Anderson and Jacques Tati, and drawing inspiration from brutalist architecture. The film uses stark, symmetrical compositions and the visual language of displacement – empty spaces, and shots that frame characters in isolation – to subtly convey a sense of cultural dissonance and the absurdity of the setting. The visual style reinforces the film's thematic focus, creating a sense of surrealism and comedic detachment that mirrors the film's overall tone. The city itself becomes a character, representing the duality of both the familiar and the foreign, the comforting and the isolating.
The sound design is equally crucial to the film's comedic and thematic impact. The predominance of Farsi in this alternate Winnipeg, alongside French and with the use of subtitles, is more than just a practical choice; it's a key thematic element. It highlights the barriers to communication, even among those who share a common cultural space, and adds layers of humor and cultural critique. The film embraces silence, using it to amplify the comedic timing and the absurdity of certain situations. The ambient sounds of the city, the murmurs of conversations, and the occasional bursts of music all contribute to a soundscape that is both realistic and emotionally resonant, while also contributing to the film's overall surreal atmosphere. The use of multiple languages, and the necessary mediation of subtitles, creates a subtle distance for the audience, mirroring the challenges and opportunities of cultural exchange.
"Universal Language" is a film that stays with you long after the credits roll. It's a bold and original meditation on the complexities of displacement – not just geographically, but also emotionally and culturally. It eschews easy answers or sentimental resolutions, instead inviting viewers to reflect on the nature of communication, cultural hybridity, and the absurdity of modern life.
The film's strengths are numerous. The original and absurdist humor creates a distinctive comedic tone. The striking cinematography, inspired by brutalist architecture and the works of Wes Anderson and Jacques Tati, beautifully complements its themes, creating a sense of surrealism and cultural dissonance. The film has thematic depth; it tackles complex issues of communication, cultural hybridity, and the search for meaning in a globalized world with sensitivity and intelligence, avoiding clichés and offering a nuanced perspective. The effective sound design enhances both the comedic timing and emotional impact. The film offers a bold and unconventional narrative structure, with its interweaving storylines and absurdist vignettes creating a unique and engaging cinematic experience.
However, the film also presents potential weaknesses. Its unconventional narrative, absurdist humor and non-linear structure may not appeal to all viewers. Those seeking a traditional narrative may find it frustrating or disjointed. The acting can feel amateurish at times, which may detract from the overall experience. Finally, the film's reliance on subtlety and absurdist humor carries the risk that viewers may miss the nuance or feel the film is "about nothing."
"Universal Language" is a boldly original and thought-provoking film that will resonate deeply with viewers who appreciate absurdist comedy, surrealism, and nuanced explorations of cultural hybridity. While its unconventional style may not appeal to everyone, those willing to engage with its themes and unique humor will be rewarded with a memorable and intellectually stimulating cinematic experience. It encourages reflection on the challenges of communication, the fluidity of identity in a globalized world, and the search for meaning amidst the absurdities of modern life.
The film is ideally suited for art-house cinemas and film festivals, and has already received recognition, including the Cannes Directors' Fortnight Audience Award and selection as Canada's Oscar submission for Best International Feature Film. "Universal Language" speaks volumes without shouting, offering a poignant and lasting impression. It's a film that challenges conventions and celebrates the beauty of cultural exchange, even amidst the chaos and confusion.