The Death (and Life) of Carl Naardlinger
(Canada, 92 min.)
Written and directed by Katherine Schlemmer
Starring: Matt Baram, Grace Lynn Kung, Mark Forward
This week’s quirky microbudget Canadian dramedy opening at
the Carlton is The Death (and Life) of Carl
Naardlinger. Not to be confused with Xavier Dolan’s always-in-the-works The Death and Life of John F. Donovan
starring Kit Harrington, Natalie Portman, Jessica Chastain, and Susan
Sarandon, this offbeat little oddity is as far away from the visual panache of
the Dolan world as one can get. Writer/director Katherine Schlemmer
concentrates on the characters and “what if” scenarios of connection and chance
that her slightly speculative film develops. Most of the budget probably went
to catering, but to Naardlinger’s
credit, this is a rare Canadian film in which the actors actually eat their spring
mix instead of just pushing it around their plates.
The significance of foodstuffs kicks off the film. Carl Naardlinger (Matt Baram, Two 4 One) is mopey on his birthday as he and his wife, Pam (Miss Sloane’s Grace Lynn Kung) celebrate by cutting tiny slices from a handsome cake—presumably preserving the rest for reshoots—when the doorbell rings. The detective or self-described “Missing Persons Person,” played by Anand Rajaram, informs Pam that he’s following up on the disappearance of one Carl Naardlinger. This can’t be because, as Grace and Carl observe, Carl’s in the house enjoying his birthday cake!
Long story short, the couple discovers that there are two
Carl Naardlingers in Toronto. Things get even weirder when they learn that the
missing Carl dropped off the grid right after he finished decorating the other
Carl’s cake. Perturbed by the realization that his own life could have ended,
Carl endeavours to find his unseen doppelgänger. His quest leads him through
the footsteps of his fellow Naardlinger as he traces a path through Carl’s
home, meets his oddball roommates (Beatriz Yuste and Ryan Hughes), politely
declines their baked goods (re: budget), and wanders thoughtfully through the
lush ravine where Carl was last seen. It’s a simple premise and Schlemmer,
making her directorial debut, keeps Carl’s existential quest thoughtful and
engaging.
There is, admittedly, a lot that doesn’t work about the
film, like all the supporting performances and the perceptible budgetary
constraints. Carl is one of those
movies where every interior setting is a spic-and-span to the point of
sterility and each sparsely staged apartment doesn’t look comfortably lived in.
Many of the players are as awkward as the settings are as Carl flits through
the other Carl’s existence. However, a film like The Death (and Life) of Carl Naardlinger relies on two things, the
story and the lead actors, and these elements are the stronger aspects of the show.
Carl’s frustration with the apparently pointlessness of life is honest and
sincere, while the speculative twist of the premise lets one check one’s own
disappointment with life at the door. It’s thoughtful minimalist escapism.
The leads also keep things fresh and engaging by creating
two offbeat and relatable characters. Kung is especially good with her comedic
timing often keeping the beat to the film. There’s a breezier lightness to the
film whenever she’s onscreen and one hopes to see her move on to other things. The Death (and Life) of Pam Naardlinger
might have been a better movie, but the opportunity’s still there since there
are far more stories of happenstance and chance on the streets of Toronto.
Plus, they still leftover cake!
The Death (and Life) of Carl Naardlinger opens Friday, July 13 at
the Carlton.