“Linoleum 2023” is a dystopian film. The world is gray and lifeless, like a barren wasteland. People are trapped in their cubicles, like rats in a maze. The only escape is through virtual reality, but even that has its dangers. The protagonist, a janitor named Jim, discovers the truth behind the facade and fights to escape his mundane existence.
CLICK HERE⭳⭳⭳🎫_Watch Linoleum 2023 English Subtitles_
Review
Linoleum: A Story of Love and Redemption
In a world where the glitz, glamour, and action-packed flicks reign supreme, sometimes a quiet and introspective movie comes along that manages to make an impact. Linoleum is one such film. Directed by Gareth Evans, this movie has quietly become a cult classic among cinephiles for its simple yet powerful story.
The plot revolves around two characters- Jack, played brilliantly by Ben Foster, and Vera, portrayed with staggering grace by Rachel Weisz. Jack is a young man battling addiction while working as a janitor in a rundown apartment building. Vera is an aging recluse who lives alone in the same building and has been estranged from her family for years.
Their paths cross when Vera discovers Jack passed out on the floor of her apartment. Instead of calling the authorities or shooing him away, Vera offers him shelter and slowly begins to care for him. In return, Jack reveals his talent for drawing intricate patterns on sheets of linoleum with sharpies.
The simple act of drawing linoleum becomes a metaphor for their relationship – something beautiful can come out of ordinary materials if given enough time and patience. The chemistry between Foster and Weisz is electric as they slowly reveal their past traumas to each other.
Writer Christopher Johnson’s script turns what could have been a maudlin story into something meaningful by allowing his characters to breathe freely without being too heavy-handed with their approaches. There are no neat answers or easy solutions, but the film avoids becoming too preachy or moralistic in its treatment of addiction.
Cinematographer Adam Arkapaw’s camera work adds an almost documentary-like feel to the proceedings. He uses natural lighting throughout the movie which gives it an authentic feel while also making it seem like we’re watching real people going through real situations.
The soundtrack composed by Michael Nyman is sparse but effective in evoking emotions from the viewers. The scores are mostly piano pieces which capture the mood of the scenes perfectly.
Shot on a shoestring budget, Linoleum is a testament to how much can be achieved with a bit of creativity and imagination. The film was mostly shot in an apartment building in Toronto, and it makes excellent use of the location.
But even with its limited budget, the movie manages to create a world that draws you into its world and makes you care about its character’s lives. Every scene has a purpose; there are no wasted moments or superfluous shots.
The casting of Ben Foster as Jack was a stroke of genius, and he delivers one of his finest performances to date. Foster is known for playing edgy characters with a dark past, but his portrayal of Jack is surprisingly nuanced while still being vulnerable and raw.
Rachel Weisz also shines as Vera – her performance is subtle but powerful. She creates an air of mystery around her character while also making you feel like you know her intimately by the end.
Linoleum was not a commercial success when it was initially released back in 2010, but it has since developed a cult following among movie lovers who appreciate its understated approach to storytelling. It has been praised for tackling issues such as addiction and aging without resorting to clichés or sentimentality.
The film has won several awards at independent film festivals including Best Actress for Rachel Weisz at the San Diego Film Critics Society Awards. It was also nominated for Best Director and Best Cinematography at the Independent Spirit Awards.
In conclusion, Linoleum is an understated gem that deserves more attention than it received upon its release. It’s proof that sometimes less can mean more when it comes to storytelling in cinema. Gareth Evans’ direction combined with Christopher Johnson’s empathetic script makes this movie one worth experiencing at least once in your life.
As Vera says towards the end of the movie: “Beauty can come from the strangest places. And it’s not always a grand gesture or a big moment. Sometimes it’s just drawing linoleum on a piece of paper.”
Technical Data
- Runtime : 101
- Release : 2023-03-17
- Genre : Science Fiction, Comedy, Drama
- Cast : Jim Gaffigan as Cameron Edwin / Kent Armstrong, Rhea Seehorn as Erin Edwin, Katelyn Nacon as Nora Edwin, Gabriel Rush as Marc, Amy Hargreaves as Linda
- Crew : Logan Gee as First Assistant Camera, Chadd Harbold as Producer, Gabrielle Nadig as Executive Producer, Chad Dougherty as Gaffer, Colin West as Screenplay
- Popularity 8.295
- Budget : 0
- Revenue : 0
- Company : Brain Scratch Productions, Storm City Films, Sub_Sequential Pictures
- Summary : When the host of a failing children’s science show tries to fulfill his childhood dream of becoming an astronaut by building a rocket ship in his garage, a series of bizarre events occur that cause him to question his own reality.
- Tagline :
