Shadows in Paradise (Varjoja paratiisissa)
Directed by Äki Kaurismäki
Written by Äki Kaurismäki
1986/Finland
Villealfa Filmproduction Oy
First viewing/FilmStruck
[box] Co-worker: I’ve got a slogan already: “Reliable garbage disposal since 1986.”
Nikander: But that’s now.
Co-worker: That’s why it catches the eye.[/box]
I love the films of Äki Kaurismäki, Here’s a pretty good early one.
Nikander (Kaurismäki regular Matti Pellonen) is a garbage collector. Early on in the movie, his partner dies. Nikander meets a down-and-outer and soon gets him a job as a replacement. Ilona Rajamäki (the great Kati Outinen) is a rather despondent grocery clerk. Nikander begins a lackadaisical courtship which doesn’t get off to a great start when he takes her on a first date to a dingy bingo parlor.
After losing one job too many, Ilona decides on drastic action and Nikander helps her make a get away.
Kaurismäki specializes in working men and women, and especially the down-and-out. His beautiful, skillful use of color, composition and music raise the often ridiculous situations to something rich and strange. Think of Ozu crossed with Jim Jarmusch. Helsinki, a city with which I have a long acquaintance and special affection, is captured from a quirky angle that makes it seem extra special. This was the director’s third film. I urge all movie lovers to try at least one of them.
Clips with extraneous music
