by John Villeneuve
Letters to Father Jacob is a film I would have missed at The Vancouver Film Festival, had it not been submitted by Finland for consideration for the Best Foreign Language category. Directed by Klaus Härö, with economy, but extreme restraint, this Scandinavian film is slight and featherweight, clocking in at just 72 minutes.
The film opens with Leila Sten, a stocky, hardened woman, being released from prison at the request of a catholic priest (Father Jacob) who fought for her early acquittal. The conditions of the pardon are simple: she must remain in the reverend’s custody, employed as his housekeeper. She learns later that the priest is blind and needs, above all else, someone to read the multitude of letters he gets daily from troubled people looking for guidance and prayers. She soon learns that she will be expected to reply to each and every letter, dictated by him.
Initially, Leila finds responding to every letter rather pointless, even stupid, but over time she realizes that this ritual is what gives the priest a sense of purpose, validates his existence, and, therefore, gives him the will to carry on. However, his health is failing, and when the letters stop coming, she realizes she will need to intervene, somehow, so that he may, once again, find a reason for living.
Clearly, Letters to Father Jacob, is a story of redemption. The performances by Kaarina Hazard (Leila) and Heikki Nousiainen (Father Jacob) are effective and lived-in. The cinematography is dusky and grave, and the score is sparse, using just a few strokes on a piano. Simplistic in its narrative thrust, the final revelation is equally muted. To quote from Robert Lowell’s poem, “Burial”, Letters to Father Jacob is like a feather on the top of the mind.
It is hard to say how the Academy will respond to this film, but my guess is that many of the older voters will appreciate it, and many more will respond positively towards its short length. I cannot, however, stop thinking that, overall, the film may appear to some as too slim.
7 Responses for "Letters to Father Jacob: Paper Thin?"
I’ve been trying for years to get that feather off the top of my mind.
Thanks for this review.
I hated this film completely and I really hope the foreign film branch is smart enough to not nominate it.
I have a fairly good attention span, but I was left so effing bored while watching it. It’s rare that I find the cinema floor a more interesting distraction than what is being shown on screen. Even at seventy minutes, it felt much longer and the characters left zero impression on me. This was a dull film that did absolutely nothing for me.
I hope they don’t nominate it either, Estefan. Though I didn’t dislike it as much as you, I could pick easily 10 other foreign films submitted this year far more worthy.
“Though I didn’t dislike it as much as you, I could pick easily 10 other foreign films submitted this year far more worthy.”
Title tease.
Klaus Härö for ever! Every single movie he has done is more than great! Also this Postia Pappi Jaakobille (Letters to Father Jacob).
Funny to see how differently people react to this. I just watched it, and really liked the film. And this is coming from a person who usually can’t stand Finnish movies or TV-series (I’m a Finn myself), they tend to be too depressing… I really hope this one will get at least nominated for an Oscar, even if it doesn’t win the award. (I just noticed this director is also responsible for Elina – As If I Wasn’t There, another Finnish movie I *gasps* liked!)
Watching this film, I surprised myself by becoming aware of tears running down my face – and not just once. I was riveted to my seat, captivated by the powerful lead performances, the scenery and the soundscape as well as the minimalistic story and musical score. A movie hasn’t touched me like this in decades – I’m not a very emotional fellow really, and I have seen (and enjoyed) hundreds of Hollywood’s fine achievements as well as indies and cinema from all over the world without needing a hankie. Härö and his team have proven, once again, that less is more. What a beautiful little diamond this film is!
Leave a reply
All comments should respect the Awards Daily House Rules. If you think a particular comment breaks these rules then please let us know, quoting the comment in question.