Film Review #93: FALLEN LEAVES

Film Review #93: FALLEN LEAVES

*This film review may contain plot spoilers, reader discretion is advised.*



Film still from Fallen Leaves

Nobody looks specifically at fallen leaves, but Aki Kaurismäki’s is a charming treat. 

Dry, dreary and dead, they serve as a metaphor for the two main characters in his 20th feature film, Fallen Leaves. Kaurismäki sheds light on the lives of blue-collared workers, the supposed latest addition to his Proletariat series. 

“It felt like this bloody world needed some love stories now”, said Kaurismäki of his Palme d’Or contender, focusing on love as conflict’s antidote. Though this may be simplistic and overstated, it offers the solace of a world where war is abhorred and love is embraced.

Film still from Fallen Leaves

Fallen Leaves tells the story of single supermarket worker Ansa (played by Alma Pöysti) and Holappa (played by Jussi Vatanen), an equally lonely, depressed and alcohol-reliant worker after a chance meeting one night in a local karaoke bar. Both attempt to make first love work between them despite being beset by adversities that come in the form of a lost phone number, missed encounters and a train accident.

Fallen Leaves is a beautiful gem. Its simplicity reflects the seasoned expertise of Kaurismäki, who has found his own brand and style of deadpan comedy, told through clever framing, brilliant acting and comedic timing.

The script is tight and minimal, with lots of breathing space for actors’ stiff actions and awkward silences to land their comedic punches. It’s no wonder that Charlie Chaplin — whose last name was adopted for the stray dog Ansa takes in — serves as Kaurismäki’s inspiration. He also managed a couple of cheeky winks through Jim Jarmusch’s The Dead Don’t Die, much to the amusement and enjoyment of several audience members who guffawed at this if you know you know moment.

Film still from Fallen Leaves

The backdrop of the Russia-Ukraine war — often blaring on Ansa’s radio — adds to the depressing atmosphere of the film. Though not geographically involved, the environment is hostile and depressing, where love is a weak flame struggling to keep ablaze. Kaurismäki skillfully interweaves moments of hope amidst the couple's hardships, crafting a well-structured plot that keeps the audience invested, rooting for their triumph despite each setback they encounter. 

Through the cast’s brilliant performance, Kaurismäki has crafted delightful and endearing characters with his two leads. Pöysti, in particular, stands out with her command of the screen, adding subtlety and nuance to her character’s steely temperament.

As the characters are rarely expressive and smiles are hard-earned, the music does a lot of the emotional heavy lifting. The film employs the clever use of J and L cuts for the music to transition seamlessly from diegetic to non-diegetic and vice versa, effortlessly lulling the audience into Kaurismäkiland.

Film still from Fallen Leaves

This stylistic method — of the environment emoting for the characters — is utilised in the cinematography too. From depressed Holappa’s reflection in his small, shattered mirror, to the strategically positioned rain streaming down the window superimposed on Ansa’s downcast face, waiting for Holappa who never showed up. Enthrallingly, it felt more evocative than actually seeing the characters respond emotionally. 

This romantic dramedy cements that the Finnish director is a master in his own right. The winner of Cannes 2023 Jury prize, Fallen Leaves shows simple does it.