Syndromes
and a Century (***1/2)
review by Jon
Waterman
The first half of “Syndromes and a Century” focuses
on Dr. Toey as she hires a brand new doctor and interacts with
all the interesting hospital workers and quirky patients. When
she is confronted with the unrequited love of the timid janitor,
Dr. Toey must explain to him that sometimes things just aren’t
meant to be, using her past relationship as an example. In
the second half, Dr. Nohng, the new hire, is put through the
steps and is forced to address senior physicians, parents of
patients and his girlfriend troubles.
I’m not sure if I could do less justice to a film through
an introductory paragraph than I just did up there. That makes
it look like the two halves are completely separate wholes,
when in reality, although they have quite a few differences,
they are essentially one in the same. Not only do they share
a lot of the same scenes and a lot of the same characters,
but they also share a lot of the same themes. They’re
just placed in what appears to be an alternate universe and
happen to follow a different lead. I think everyone has a chance
to bring home something different after watching the mirrored
episodes, but what I take away from it is that no matter where
you are or what you’re going through, there is someone
else out there, possibly in a different time and space, that
is going through a very similar situation; that many key elements
of human nature are universal and necessary for survival; and
that no one will ever be certain of anything. Does that help
sell it a little better for you?
What if I tell you the movie is also pretty funny. I would
have to say that it’s mostly serious, but almost without
exception, the nearly self-contained scenes end up sneaking
a pretty good joke or two in there at just the right time.
The movie (and the second section) starts off with a very interesting
interview where Dr. Toey asks Dr. Nohng such extremely important
medical questions as what position he plays in basketball and
what color circle he would be. A few of the scenes repeat but
are certainly never seen the same way, even though they contain
the same cast. Besides the slight variations to the dialogue
(a concept I wish would have been taken a little farther),
they are also shot from different angles and perspectives.
That technique really helps the audience to fully immerse themselves
once again as the monk tries to scam meds off of the doctor.
When all was said and done, I certainly walked away satisfied.
It’s a very heart-warming movie in an unusual way. There’s
nothing in there that’s overtly romantic, yet it somehow
gives off that feeling anyway. I really wouldn’t have
minded seeing a third set, perhaps set in the future, although
that would completely ruin what the director Apichatpong Weerasethakul
(“Tropical Malady”) was going for, I think. The “last” shot
was way too long and provided for a dreaded fake ending, but
then it won me back over with the real ending scene. If you’re
still confused about what this movie is about, just now that
I saw it and I’m with you. It’s ultimately a collection
of good, interesting conversations between fascinating, well
written “related” characters. Think of it as “Magnolia” – except
with less resolution, less interactivity, and more accessible.
Even if that doesn’t sound good, see it anyway.
respond to jon@filmbrats.com
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