Set against the romantic desolation of Detroit and Tangier, an underground musician, deeply depressed by the direction of human activities, reunites with his resilient and enigmatic lover. Their love story has already endured several centuries at least, but their debauched idyll is soon disrupted by her wild and uncontrollable younger sister. Can these wise but fragile outsiders continue to survive as the modern world collapses around them? Only Lovers Left Alive is one of the most breath-taking films I have ever seen. As a fan of the more artistically styled film I was captivated throughout. The entire film is quiet and dark with an eerie feeling of timelessness that matches the souls as old as time itself, Adam (Tom Hiddleston) and Eve (Tilda Swinton).
The film centres around their eternal love, highlighting the modern world through the light, easy-going spirit of Eve and the tortured romantic Adam. Despite being set in the modern day it is completely unlike vampire films of recent times, presenting a visually beautiful story of true romance.
Artistic is the epicentre of this film. It is entirely set at night so it has a sleepy, soft half-light, in the empty, mysterious streets of Detroit and Tangier. The script has a minimal feel, giving the impression that every word is important, and there are some great moments of dark comedy scattered throughout, mixed with cultural and literary references and philosophical observations. Everything about it is slow and measured and perfected, even down to the synchronised movements of Adam and Eve.
The acting is stunning, with a particularly beautiful performance from Tom Hiddleston, who carries the role of the suicidal vampire who has grown tired of the disrepairs of the world with a darkly sexy air. Tilda Swinton provided a light to Hiddleston’s dark, offering a rescue at the darkest of moments.
There was yet more contrast with Eve’s wild and unpredictable younger sister (Mia Wasikowska) and the wise, worldly Marlowe (John Hurt). The clash of characters adds to the charm of the story and the style.
The film is slow-paced but contrary to other opinions I didn’t feel that it dragged on in any way. It presents a lot of truths about current society which really made me think. Naturally, it remains true to some vampire film stereotypes: dark, sexy and romantic.
If you’re a Tom Hiddleston fan in particular I recommend this, his portrayal of such a flawed character is simply stunning. However even if you’re impartial, I would highly recommend this film, everything about it is breath-taking and gorgeous. It achieves artistic without clouding the message of the film and draws you in to its perfect eternity and escapism.
Claire Sharp
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Reblogged this on 4t4m4t4.
Jarmusch revels in the slow burn. All his films luxuriate in the sleepiness of night; they drift along the tempered bends of a lazy, idyllic stream of thought. Jarmusch has never been an easy director. He makes you work for his films–struggle even. Sometimes the pace is so deliberate that you can’t help but refer to your watch every so often. It isn’t till after, once the film has sunk into your subconscious–once his scenes have left their indelible mark upon the folds of your brain–do you realize how engrossing his world is. Jarmusch is much more subliminal than he’s given credit for–an insidious kind of director, he creeps into your visual senses, roots himself in deep and holds your thoughts long after the film’s done rolling.
Thanks for a great review Claire, it has really made me want to see this film.
I always appreciate anything with Tilda Swinton, someone who never delivers less than her very best. The storyline sounds reminiscent of ‘The Hunger’, Tony Scott’s 1983 film, though it will doubtless have a very different feel.
Regards from Norfolk, Pete.
This is so true – I haven’t yet seen anything else by Jarmusch but I loved the true escapism this film gave me, I will definitely have a look at some of his other work. It’s an incredible skill to be able to capture the imagination of the viewer in such a way.
No problem Pete, thanks for the feedback! I’m glad it has made you want to see it, it’s quite an under-publicized film which surprised me given the casting. I agree, Tilda Swinton always produces extraordinary work. I haven’t seen The Hunger but will definitely check it out!
Lovely review. You truly brought out the essence of the film in your write-up. Now mu interest has surge to check it out.
Thanks for your feedback! I hope you enjoy the film when you check it out!
I finally caught up with “Only Lovers Left Alive” the other night and wrote up a review of my own. Check it out if you ever get the chance. Here’s a link:
http://betweenframes.net/2014/04/18/only-lovers-love-eternity/