After browsing Netflix as I so often do, I was intrigued more by the movie's cover than I was the title, but nevertheless the short synopsis seemed interesting and I added it to my instant queue. Last night I finally clicked on play and came to enjoy all two hours of it. That's right, two hours.
I've never been one for foreign films, but that's changing fast. Filmed in London, England, Fish Tank is unforgiving in its realism. I suppose this could be why:
"Mainly it's just real life around me that inspires me. I see someone on the bus, and I want to write about them." -Arnold
The acting is stellar, not only from first-timer to the big screen Katie Jarvis, but from the entire supporting cast as well. Jarvis plays Mia, a troubled 15 year-old with a lovable face and vulgar mouth. I still can't put my finger on what it was about her, but I was compelled to follow her every move.
Maybe it's because Arnold found the same captivating quality in her as she witnessed real-life Jarvis arguing with her boyfriend at a train station in London. Maybe it's because Arnold, pertaining to her aforementioned quote, was inspiried by Jarvis for the script. Whatever it is, it works.
Fish Tank is dark and realistic but never melodramatic or far-reaching. I was empathetic toward Mia, who a lot of the time faced the results of unfortunate circumstance. Many people will be able to relate to this film, as it's not only realistic, but also real life for those who have grown up in a broken home, in an unhealthy family environment, and have had to learn about life on their own. This film received 16 award wins and 22 nominations, and now I know why...it's 120 minutes that I don't regret giving up.
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