Doing the right thing for one's family provides the impetus for the goings on in Mammoth, a magnificent tale of turmoil now lighting up screens at the Vancouver International Film Festival. Made from filmmakers based in Scandinavia this English language film is smart from start to finish. Director/writer Lukas Moodysson winds up the tension and never lets up as folks intertwine from different cultures.
Consider Mammoth to be in the same league as other recent classics like Traffic, Crash and Babel. Similarities come due to the intertwining nature of the characters and plot. And that immigrant experience plays a pivotal role also in the story as we see our central characters take up shop in both New York and the Philippines with a few exotic hot spots thrown nicely into the mix.
Lifestyle means everything to many folks. New York residents Leo and Ellen Vidales seem to have it all. Luxury suits their image as Leo is a rich entrepreneur of sorts while wife Ellen is a doctor. Being busy is an understatement so these parents need to have a maid to look after their daughter. Part of the family is Gloria who hails from the Philippines.
Contrast the standard of living of most people who live in the Philippines with the rich jet set in New York and you can almost sense the tensions that may develop - not to mention the jealousies. Moodysson does a brilliant job showing the different life styles in both areas and into the mix provides room for all the main characters to grow.
Better casting could not be found. Gael Garcia Bernal (Y Tu Mama Tambien) does a great job as a man at a crossroads trying to wrestle with his conscience while Michelle Williams' rendering of a doctor and mom is equally scintillating. Shots at the hospital look very authentic and are intense as are the emotions Mrs. Vidales has to grapple with, often bottled up from within.
Maybe the best way to describe this film is through the character of the maid. Marife Necesito shines bright as a nanny with problems at home and a desire to make money for those she's left behind. Turmoil rages within her soul as she's left her children behind which many immigrants can relate to. And those mid-life crises moments are also well revealed in this intriguing 125 minute movie.Big business and all its ethics also are explored in this sensational movie that examines one family and how its employees and co-workers can impact others a world away. Must see entertainment for those who care about families and friends, Mammoth is a brilliantly written portrait of modern relationships and the lengths some people will go to find that dream existence. Oh, and let's not forget all the child actors who are mesmerizing. Pay attention to the presence of Sophie Nyweide who will steal your hearts as the "American" child whose fondness for learning strikes a pretty eventful cord.
Trailer provided by Video Detective
Running Time: 125 minutes
Reviewed By: Robert Waldman (Vancouver)
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