Kodachrome 2018

Kodachrome 2018

Another film that finds itself on Netflix rather then getting a cinema release. Directed by Mark Raso who’s only had one feature film before this (Copenhagen), which I’ve not seen but after watching this, and with it scoring a Rotten Tomatoes of 93%, I’ll be checking it out.

Struggling music executive Matt (Jason Sudeikis) finds his world turned upside down when his estranged father’s nurse Zooey (Elizabeth Olsen) shows up unexpectedly in his office. Matt’s father Ben (Ed Harris), a photographer who has been less than a model parent, is facing terminal cancer. His dying wish is for Matt to join him on a road trip to Kansas to process his last rolls of Kodachrome film before the sole remaining lab closes, and the pictures are lost forever. So hauling half a lifetime of baggage and resentment, Matt hits the road with Ben and Zooey.

Is this another road movie?

Well essentially yes. The premise certainly isn’t anything we’ve not seen before, the story arc the characters take is a well worn path (it reminded me quite a bit of Scent of a Woman too). But there are two reasons this film elevates itself above “just another road movie”. One is the performances on display by the main three actors and the other is that the actual destination matters as well as the journey. There is a scene near the end that shows how little words are needed when the acting is of a high standard.

Ed Harris is at his grimy best and is great as the grizzled photojournalist who seems to excel in being a confrontational and truculent arse to all those around him, Harris also looked to me like he really enjoyed playing the role.

Jason Sudeikis surprised me a lot here as I’ve not really ever seen him in a non-comedic role, he was brilliant. His range is on full display here. He manages to be a dick whilst getting the audience to feel sorry for him. That ain’t an easy thing to do.

Elizabeth Olsen is very quickly becoming my favourite actor. She chews up every scene she’s in. She mostly plays the moderator when she finds herself in scenes with both Jason and Ed but when she’s one on one with either of them she shines every time. The films Olsen is choosing are giving her an impressive back catalogue of diversity, from big blockbusters to small indie films.

A little mention should go to Bruce Greenwood (Uncle Dean) and Wendy Crewson (Aunt Sarah) whose little cameos were a great inclusion for the film and highlighted how deep the dysfunctionalities and conflict in this family runs.

All in all this film impressed me a lot. The long takes and minimal cuts taken by director Mark Raso allowed the actors to shine and I’m looking forward to any of his future films.