Lonergan's style is very laid back. He not only films his story in a subtle, restrained manner, he writes it that way too. He focuses on the mundane things. This is a story about loss, but most of the time we watch people carry on with their lives - run errands, microwave food, talk about nothing - while everything remains simmering under the surface. There are moments where things bust out, but never too much. It's a perfect tone for white people restraining themselves. And yet it's powerful.
A good example of this style, a moment of Lonergan's cleverness and quiet power, is we see a character pack up pictures of their dead children. We don't see the pictures, we don't see the emotion, we just know that's what's happening and what is happening for that character in that moment. It is remarkably effective.
Casey Affleck is a triumph here too. He plays the central character in the same manner and Lonergan directs him. He plays it all behind his eyes. There is always so much going on for him, and within him, and he communicates it all to us without any bravado. Even his few moments where it can't be held in any longer are painfully restrained. He connects with his fellow cast members but it is his solo scenes which are the most riveting.
Manchester by the Sea, like You Can Count On Me, is a film which just needs to play out. It isn't clear from the beginning where it's going to go or how it's going to end. In fact I would argue it doesn't end anywhere near where you think it's going to. But it never feels dishonest. It is completely satisfying. I hope Lonergan doesn't take so long before he makes another movie this good.
Manchester By The Sea
Starring: Casey Affleck, Michelle Williams, Kyle Chandler, Lucas Hedges
Director: Kenneth Lonergan
Writer: Kenneth Lonergan
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