All the Light in the Sky (Joe Swanberg, 2012) USA

Reviewed By Sherona Gibson:  Viewed at the AFI Fest 2012

Joe Swanberg’s All The Light in The Sky, co-written by and starring Jane Adams is about  an aging Los Angeles actress living in Malibu coping with spiritual and life changes.

At 45, she has no husband, no kids and a brother in rehab for the tenth try, yet she’s living in the moment, paddle-boards with her neighbor, drinks green shakes and lives a sort of hippies lifestyle and though she does well enough to live in Malibu it’s not the large beach front home and it’s rental, she never really got the role that would’ve changed her life. There is a kind of sadness her character exudes, she never quite made it. While juggling her life and  downward career, her 25-year old niece Faye (Sophia Takal) an aspiring actress from New York comes to visit her to see what it’s like to make it in Hollywood. Faye wants to be an actress, just like her aunt Marie, but is unaware of the sometime harsh realities. Marie takes on the role of mentor and begins explaining to her about the real life of an actress. I think this was cathartic for her character allowing her to reconcile her life choice of not having a family, it seemed gratifying. The film then continues on with a series of parties, hangouts, a morning by the toilet and lots of conversation.

One conversation was perhaps the central point of the film. Marie would meet with a Astrophysicist  frequently while researching for a role,  he would explain to her about the different phases and uses of solar energy, this was clearly a metaphor about her life. This coupled with  breathtaking shots filled with natural light is impressive.  Though at times the pacing is a bit slow but it’s worth watching.

About this entry

You’re currently reading “All the Light in the Sky (Joe Swanberg, 2012) USA,” an entry on Student Film Reviews

Published:
11.12.12 / 10pm
Category:
Films