Kogonada's "Columbus" - Moving and Introspective
Renowned Korean architect and professor collapses and falls into a coma, in small town Columbus, IN. His son, Jin (30-ish-year-old language translator for publishing co., played by John Cho) travels to Columbus, IN to be by his father. Casey (19-year-old high school graduate, played by Haley Lu Richardson) works at the public library, has a passionate interest in architecture, lives at home and helps take care of her mother Maria, a recovering meth addict (played by Michelle Forbes). Jin and Casey meet, and over several days, we follow them in their relationship. Sounds like a rager, right? The theaters are packin'em in for this one! Not really, but it is a magical piece of film to invest your time within.
Yes, people would pretty much categorize Columbus as an art picture. Maybe it is, maybe it isn't. But it's mysteriously full of substance. The acting, dialogue, cinematography, soundscape and the supposed purpose are all very focused. I don't want to spend time rolling through the plot and delivering you the cliff notes. That is painstakingly boring. I'll just attempt to make you engage with this 105 min. of movie-making. Here is the inner-struggle I am having at the moment ... I recommend watching Columbus without any opinions or direction in mind. See what sort of raw impression it makes upon you. Then view it again (and again, if you wish), and see where your brain forces your attention. The problem with that methodology is, then I have nothing to write about here. My plans would be foiled. So, my suggestion is to do a read-through, right here and right now, get inspired, forget what I told you and then take to the screen. Then read this again to overly judge my effort.
To repeat, you do need to take in the movie Columbus more than once, and quite possibly, at least three times. You'll see and hear aspects differently or most likely acknowledge them for the first time. It's about developing relationships and keeping relationships, no matter the level. The main focus is on two characters - their connections w/others, and the connection they are rapidly developing with EACH other. This is not a love story in the typical sense. It displays how people can blindly open up to others, or discover they have never been able to do so. Regardless, there is an extraordinary trust and respect for the responses, even inside necessary humor. There are underlying discussions of redemption and the failures that tag along on that journey. As a whole, there is palpable feel of communication going on throughout, even without dialogue.
To provide an encompassing description, EXTREME SIMPLICITY CAN CREATE EXTREME DEPTH. The town of Columbus, IN seems simple, but it is actually known for its architecture. Other than Casey (eventually), the characters' jobs, backgrounds and aspirations are downplayed as simple, but they are all at a legitimate crossroads in life, where actions have consequences. The cinematography and score appear simple, but there are moments you find yourself staring at the screen as you would a striking painting. Architecture shows up arguably in every single scene, regardless of how short or subtle, and when you believe it doesn't, you subconsciously look for it, even in the most unassuming backdrops. Focusing so much on architecture is just another part of the cinematography that immediately or ultimately encourages you to pay attention to all of the sights and sounds. (NOTE: Casey's affinity for architecture not only developed from the town's reputation, but also because it provided solace and diversion during her teenage years with her troubled mom). The story moves slowly, so quiet and so serene, but still with these very mild dynamics (finely tuned to each character). It provides you the opportunity to absorb or even search for artistic details, catch every word in each character exchange and feel you are inside the landscape of the film.
In closing, you do feel like you are physically inside each visual and conversation of Columbus, almost at a meditative level. At least I did... during my second viewing, that is. Everybody is this flick seems very real and completely relatable. The acting is perfection. Haley Lu Richardson is exceptionally appropriate, as she always is. It was my first experience with John Cho, and he provided a reserved and confident air around himself. Michelle Forbes, of course praiseworthy. Parker Posey's minor role (Eleanor) as Jin's friend and father's mentee was on the money. Lastly, there was Rory Culkin (Gabriel). Playing Haley Lu Richardson's cohort and superior at the public library, they were a perfect match. His controlled and innocent chit chat is memorable. The musical score from Hammock was understated and stunning. It blended flawlessly with the additional actor I like to call, in this specific movie, "the cinematography". It helped you FLOAT along with the experiences. Disclaimer: I might be Hammock's biggest fan on planet Earth, and they are the initial reason I even knew about Columbus. This debut from South Korean director, Kogonada, brought on substantial critical acclaim. With its overall pace and minimalism, he had to be spot on with the story's purpose and believability of the characters, and he succeeded. The film doesn't force you HOW to feel, only that you should feel something. It shows ... life is not simple, it is complex and is owed perspective. Yin and yang my friends.
