Politics, Romance, and Linda Hunt: The Year of Living Dangerously
The Year of Living Dangerously released in 1982, directed by Peter Weir was set during Indonesia’s political turmoil, particularly during the near end of Sukarno’s reign. This film was so many different things at once. I find that most of the themes portrayed and illustrated in this film, fitting to the chaotic environment, such as the circumstances and challenges a foreign journalist encounters in a volatile country and the penury that most Indonesian people endure. However, despite the already excellent narration to incorporate these themes, Weir also includes an unnecessary touch of romance that only seems to stray our attention even to the point of ruination.
On another note, I don’t think I am the only one to acknowledge Linda Hunt’s phenomenal performance in the film. Playing the role of Billy Kwan, a photographer in tandem with Mel Gibson or Guy Hamilton in the film, he acts as Hamilton’s contact guy, someone largely responsible for Hamilton’s success in finding interviews with prominent and controversial figures. Her phenomenal performance is not because of her “acting” as a man in the film. Instead, it is because she is a man in the film and gave justice to the most interesting and profound character of the film. All this without me ever noticing or doubting the gender of the character. It was effortless.
Despite being far from my kind of perfect film, its success is owed to Weir’s overall brilliant narration along with Maurice Jarre’s score which was exotic and memorable, and Russel Boyd’s rich cinematography.
Zeraly Saromines is an aspiring filmmaker and film critic who, through her blogs, helps viewers decide whether to watch a certain movie or show or geek out with other passionate viewers. Her opinionated blogs provide her own perspective and opinions whether it be about your favorite superhero, International shows, and Filipino rom-com and the classics — anything that movies and tv shows have to offer. However, she is especially obsessed with finding stories that hint at the harsh realities of life, explore the realms of magic and science, and those that offer new perspectives from underrepresented groups. By challenging her thoughts constantly and striving to be set apart from other critics, she writes her blogs in a much personal way that enables her to engage with her readers. In addition to this, her past experience as an international student provides different outlooks and perspectives on culture and life that again reflect on the content of her blogs.
