Mexican filmmaker Michel Franco is celebrated for his intense, often psychologically complex films that spotlight social issues, from the Cannes-winning After Lucia (2012) and Chronic (2015) to the Venice Film Festival conquering New Order (2020), to the recent Sundown starring Tim Roth and Charlotte Gainsbourg.
Franco’s new film, Memory, stars Jessica Chastain and Peter Sarsgaard and explores themes of trauma and degenerative memory loss. The film is set in New York and centers on an unexpected connection between Sylvia, a social worker with a troubled past, and Saul, a man experiencing early-onset dementia. Franco crafted Memory to highlight the complexities of human connection, and his inspiration stemmed from a desire to juxtapose the lasting scars of trauma with the erasure brought by dementia, creating a story where both characters have divergent yet intertwined memories. His directing approach often leaves scenes open for actors to explore, avoiding multiple takes to retain emotional authenticity. This technique was instrumental in allowing Chastain and Sarsgaard’s performances to evolve naturally on-screen, adding depth to the film’s exploration of memory and identity.
For a chance to win a double pass to Memory, simply email
competitions@filmink.com.au with your favourite film about the complexities of human connection and why you love it. Most creative entries win. Don’t forget to include your postal address with your entry.
In cinemas 14 November 2024.
Australian Competitions Club
