In Hollywood, when all else fails, directors turn to making books into films. The latest novel to receive this treatment is Kazuo Ishiguro’s 2005 novel “Never Let Me Go.”
While some novels are skewered by cinematic reimaginings, “Never Let Me Go” is a marvelous take on the award winning dystopian masterpiece. Directed by Mark Romanek — who is mainly known for directing music videos — the film stars Carey Mulligan (“Wall Street 2”), Keira Knightley, and Andrew Garfield (“The Social Network”).
The film is narrated by Kathy (Mulligan), a 31-year-old woman reflecting on her life. The film opens with her childhood years, as a precocious schoolgirl at a boarding school in the English countryside called Hailsham. While it seems like an average school, Hailsham students are told everyday that they are special and that they serve an important purpose. Little do they know that their futures only hold disturbing and unalterable truths.
Kathy’s close friends are Ruth (Knightley) a devious and flighty young girl, and Tommy (Garfield), a young boy often bullied by his peers. Students at Hailsham follow a strict regimen of education, playtime and daily checkups. They are bright and happy and extremely obedient. As they grow up, they are moved from Hailsham to a different part of the English countryside, dubbed “The Cottages.”
Mulligan does a brilliant job of playing the ever-wistful and pensive Kathy. She seems to be older than her years and somewhat out of touch with the insouciance of adolescence. Knightley, playing Kathy’s beautiful best friend and greatest enemy, is captivating. However, it is Garfield who adds a light touch to the film, with his awkward nature and lanky frame working hand in hand to add comic relief.
While the film moves quite slowly, Romanek works to build a realistic relationship between Kathy, Ruth and Tommy. It moves quickly in comparison to the novel, but that’s to be expected from any adaptation. Fans of the book may be slightly put off, but the superb acting makes up for the lack in complete character development.
The film moves deftly, attempting to recreate the atmosphere of Ishiguro’s own mysterious and powerful writing. While it does fall short of achieving Ishiguro’s masterful detail and depth, the film makes up for it in beautiful landscapes and artistic vision. Romanek highlights the loveliness of foggy England. Everything is thoroughly British, from the gray skies and seas, to the uniform caps and rain boots.
As the story develops, it takes on a far more depressing tone. The heartbreak and torturous reality suffered by the characters lends to a touching third act. Kathy’s narration is brief and melancholy, completely enrapturing the audience.
“Never Let Me Go” is a heart-wrenching film, wrought with feelings of injustice and dread. While there are moments that lift the film up out of the darkness, the film is a dramatic tear-jerker.
The plot will slowly but surely reel you in and leave you questioning the extent to which love truly can conquer all.
ydesta@theeagleonline.com
