Review: The Man Without a Past (2002)

Directed by Aki Kaurismäki

Starring: Markku Peltola, Kati Outinen

The plot follows an unnamed man who tries to get his life back together after getting amnesia due to him being severely beaten whilst getting mugged and left for dead.

I will start off by saying how honored and happy I am to be a part of The Fresh Potatoes Club and their 2nd event, "Crossing the one inch barrier", in which we review a foreign film from a variety of countries. I was given Finland, and the film I picked was 2002 Cannes Grand Prix winner, The Man Without a Past.

The plot involves a man trying to get his life in order after suffering from amnesia due to severe head injuries after being brutally beaten by muggers. With no recollection of who he was before, he starts his life from scratch and lives in an container in the outskirts of Helsinki. The plot while simple, is really effective and interesting. It asks us the question, of if you had a fresh start, what would you change? Quite similar to the films of Jim Jarmusch and Charlie Chaplin, Aki Kaurismäki tells his story with a balance of both comedic and tragic tones. I personally think it strikes a perfect match, cause I felt there were times I felt sympathetic for the character, but also laughed alongside him due to his immaturity to his own tragic situation. The characters and their personalities shine through the film and make it quite enjoyable, displaying their countless examples of humanity throughout the film. The dialogue is great and hilarious, with it's use of dry-wit humour that often reminds me of Jarmusch's films and dialogues.

That being said, the plot does lack, and really doesn't really have much to say other than that, and often at times, you'll feel the film's pacing inconsistent and often slow down. I'll say that this film is not for everyone, as it relies on its deadpan humour and it's message of humanity to tell it's story, but even with that, I find it to be pretty accessible and that it should be given a chance, as it is rewarding. The film's quite minimalist, but one that's intelligent and filled with heart. This dramedy will supply a sense of melancholy, humor, and even happiness. If you are a big fan of Jarmusch's tones in his films, then I think you should give this one a chance.

My rating: 7/10

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