A 30 minute monologue is no easy task for any actor, especially one as wordy and as emotional as this. I've done a few monologues in my time on stage, working to and with a live audience. Standing in front of a camera however where there is absolutely no atmosphere must be terrifying. But that is exactly what actor Andrew Scott has done here, and he is superb.
Sea Wall tells the story of his family; his wife and his father-in-law, as well as the birth of their only daughter and a huge family tragedy over which he had no control. This monologue is three weeks' after the tragedy, and Scott's sincere and emotive storytelling takes you with him on this emotional rollercoaster.
The camera is static, so it's a very intimate encounter as he is, by definition, talking directly to you. There is no-one else, and so you stay and listen. There is no doubting Scott's talent at all. There is a naturalness, a simplicity about it. He's not really acting at all you think, but that's the trick isn't it?!
The story (written by Simon Stephens) susatins your interest and attention for the whole half hour, and even though I tried a couple of times to guess in which direction the story was going to end, I was wrong. Stephens along with Andrew Porter directed this epic monologue, and yet it doesn't feel directed as many monologues (either filmed or on stage do). Scott's gestures and vocal volume changes, and his stopping mid-sentence or moving around slightly, all seemed totally natural and part of a conversation. But a very powerful and emotional conversation, and one with which we could sympathise. It was beautifully crafted and superbly recounted.
My only negative criticism here is the backdrop used for the piece. To me it looks very much like a workshop in a theatre or film studio. Perhaps that is exactly where it is, however it is distracting. The background is too busy, and doesn't befit the narrative in any way. We are told that the protagonist (Alex) is a photographer, and yet, this isn't even a photographer's studio. We see outside and a man walking by, and it momentarily pulls focus. I have no idea why this set or location was chosen but it was a very poor choice.
Reviewer - Alastair Zyggu
on - 13/5/20
Lovely review!
ReplyDeleteJust some background in response to the criticisms you raised:
The location is in fact a working photographer's studio. It was chosen because it neighbors Simon Stephens office. This particular neighboring photography studio was also the initial inspiration for Alex's profession. I unfortunately can't recall the exact source but I believe it's from one of the many in depth conversations/interviews/q&a's Simon and Andrew have had over the years about Sea Wall; all of which are easy to find on youtube and are very insightful and interesting .
Thanks very much for the feedback. Interesting - it doesn't look like a photographer's studio I have to admit, but will certainly pass on your comments to reviewer Alastair.
DeleteThanks again, Matthew (Editor).