There is nothing better than a dinner party with a set menu: cake, champagne and politics. Sally Potter‘s latest innovation is seventy-one minutes of quirky and pertinent fun. English political realities are twisted into a laughing stock as Potter examines the state of the nation following the Brexit referendum. Dark and satiric are disguised as art house, Potter writes her “reflections on party politics and political language” in a monochromatic masterpiece. Played in real time, following a wobbly hand held, Potter creates a sophisticated story in the simplest of ways. Unlike politics, the film is black and white, a nod to the greyscale that is the governmental system. Together, Potter and cinematographer, Alexey Rodionov, give subtle hints at the hopelessness of our bruised Trump-era.
Kristin Scott Thomas stars as newly elected health minister, Janet, alongside her deplorable, academic husband Bill (Timothy Spall). Together their cosy London home becomes the scene for much more than just a celebration. Secret affairs, lies and a good custard tart are just the beginning of Janet’s political prowess. Bill, her mopey ‘other half’ has made a enemies, and a bed that he and his wife must lie in.
As the guests arrive to the sounds of scratchy vinyl and congratulations, they are greeted by a flustered Janet and terminally brooding Bill. First to the door is April (Patricia Clarkson) – an idealist turned realist, accompanied by German humanist, life coach and husband, Gottfried (Bruno Ganz). Their babble and ‘real talk’ is welcomed, refreshing the mood (and their wine glasses). The tedious pace of illness is matched with April’s quick wit, Clarkson’s spirited and loquacious character is truly outstanding.
One could say politics demand adherence to society. But, whether it be Bollinger or ballot papers, this party’s agenda is more complicated. We see relationships developed and destroyed, values compromised, and democracy fly out the door. Martha (Cherry Jones) and Jinny (Emily Mortimer) are a bubbly couple expecting a small party of their own – triplets. Their love is challenged in an interesting way through past relationships proving present. The question must be asked, are love and politics interchangeable?
Full of shadowy laughs that make you flinch, Potter uncovers the filthy truth of the system, wealth, and the dirty way in which our elite uphold it. Fully loaded and carrying a gun, Peaky Blinder‘s star Cillian Murphey arrives as a powerful, powdery banker, Tom. Fidgeting with the idea of murder or self-destruction, Tom’s presence is a smoking gun for the corrupt nature of an elitist society. Apologies are made for the absence of his wife Marianne, the silent ‘puppet-master’ behind the whole feud.
The “fight for impermanence” is simply acknowledging everything is changing. But the impermanence of opinion and the compromising of values has become the-Brexit citizen. Somehow making comedy tragic and tragedy humorous, Potter’s vision is clever. In the age of the international, Potter leaves out changing tides in the wider world, instead fixing on leaders of societies, and their disability to fix anything. This microcosm is filled with expensive wine, gossip and home-made profiteroles. Whilst campaigning for her seat, perhaps Janet loses sight on the importance of campaigning for truth.
“No one knows how long they live”. A terminal illness, a health minister and a life changing (not to mentioned multifaceted) love affair make for an inescapable satire. Almost as inescapable as the scratchy record player, doing little to sooth tensions between guests. Insults are thrown, compliments rejected and smashed glass. Thankfully the only thing broken is the glass window, not the window to anyone’s soul.
This party couldn’t be more bittersweet. Much like a mirage, from a distance we see a displaced, chaotic political order, but up close, Potter shows us clarity through the diverging views of her rich cast. April says that “love is a very powerful force” but is it powerful enough for the personal to undermine the political? Janet, a gunshot, and the truth is splattered all over the wall. Somehow, with everyone sat around the dining table, we have come full circle all before dinner is served. Sally Potter’s Party is definitely something to celebrate.
Jamie Binder – On The Town & Theatre Now
The Party in cinemas nationally from April 12
