Lost Language of Cranes

Based on the notable novel by David Leavitt, CRANES offers the story of Philip (Angus Macfayden), an attractive young Englishman who has fallen in love with the wealthy and manipulative American Elliot (Corey Parker)--and on the basis of that love decides to inform his parents that he is gay. But Philip's announce precipitates a crisis that he cannot imagine: his own father Owen (Brian Cox) is homosexual, a secret he has concealed from wife Rose (Eileen Atkins) since their marriage. At the same time, Philip discovers the foundation of his love with Philip is considerably less stable than he thought, and suddenly all concerned in the story find their lives built on shifting sand.

The performances are what make the film work, and while Mcfayden and Cox have the showier roles (and are excellent in them), it is really actress Eileen Atkins who emerges as the powerhouse performer in the complex role of a woman who has deliberately lived in denial--and who must now respond to a double-whammy that undercuts the very foundation of her existence. Carefully controlled, Atkins delivers a flawless performance with incredible weight and realism.

The flaw in the film is the script, which tends toward a certain clinical, slightly artificial awkwardness from time to time, and although the film offers many interesting visual metaphors, it ties them so loosely to the overall story that it is often difficult to know to what these metaphors refer. Even so, THE LOST LANGUAGE OF CRANES offers a powerhouse punch in its message of the need for honesty lest one be trapped into a way of living that slowly and but inextricably destroys the opportunities of youth--and leaves one with the bitter realization that the effort of keeping the lie alive has left one with little more than the lie itself. Powerful stuff; recommended.

GFT, Amazon Reviewer

Rose is sharp as a tack, but so tightly controlled, she doesn't allow the truth to sink in. Not much goes over her head, but when the information doesn't fit into her plans, she simply ignores it. When she finally faces the reality of her marriage, it falls apart.

Owen (Brian Cox) is the father-- his whole life, he has lived a lie. His character is weak and not very bright, but he means well. He does his duty in caring for his family, and it's clear he genuinely loves them. Unfortunately, he's the most childlike in the family--he reacts, rather than initiates, and he remains childlike till the end.

Philip is the catalyst in the family--he brings the secrets out in the open. His character shows a lot of wisdom and initiative, both in his family and love relationships. This was Angus Macfadyen's first major film, although it was originally a BBC production. He is young, lean and amazingly sensitive in his performance. He is so good in this role, I was convinced he is gay.

The writers of the film (David Leavitt, Sean Mathias) suggest that homosexuality is the result of both environment and genetics. Elliot, Philip's lover, is the adopted son of two gay men. Philip is the biological son of a man who is gay. Elliot's housemate, a social worker, reveals that a child's life is shaped by his environment after he is neglected and left alone--he begins to imitate a crane, the only stimulation he has. Another case is revealed, of two twins who have their own secret language. It's a fascinating subject to speculate on if you like to figure out what makes people tick (I do).

The acting all around is phenomenal. The director too (Nigel Finch), did a wonderful job. So much is said with looks and gestures, volumes are communicated with eyes alone. Nothing was glossed over in this film--each character has his/her own strengths and weakness, both gay and straight. How refreshing, especially in a film about intimacy.

The music is also good. The whole atmosphere is one of loneliness and desperation, and it's fascinating to watch, from an American perspective, because we just don't make movies like that. Our films are usually much more glamorized or dramatized, so this film was especially magnetic to me.

Brian Cox and Eileen Atkins, two of Britain's best character actors, are incredibly good as the parents, Owen and Rose Benjamin. Owen is an Academic, and Rose is a Book Editor. The irony of Rose being in a profession where she needs an eye for detail is not lost as it contrasts to her own life. She has somehow managed to overlook that her husband is a closeted homosexual. In their generation, if a man felt or knew he was gay, he married, procreated, and carried on with life in most cases. The Benjamin's marriage could be like most long-term marriages without passion. Rose has had her affairs, mainly for the physical love she is missing from her husband. Owen wants desperately to explore the side of his life he has been repressing, but, so far, spends a good amount of his free time roaming gay cinemas.

Adding to all of this is that their son, Phillip, a handsome book editor, very well-played by Angus MacFayden, is also gay. He is out to his friends, but not to his parents. He is madly in love with an American graphic artist, Elliott, played by Corey Parker. Phillip's belief that he has found the love of his life leads him to finally come out to his parents. But, he has no idea of the can of worms he has opened in the life and marriage of his parents. Rose would have been content to keep secrets indefinitely. However, Owen's son's admission opens the floodgates and propels Owen toward his new life.

The film is still fairly faithful to the book, which I also recommend very highly. The acting is top-notch, as often seems the case in British-made films. The story is engrossing in its brevity, and strong in its lessons of honesty, betrayal, and the ultimate destruction of long-held secrets.