WCS 2012 Review: ‘Margaret’

In 2000 (or so) a wonderful little film called You Can Count on Me was released, and writer/director Kenneth Lonergan quickly rose toward the top of my ‘directors to be watched’ list. But he has not released another film. Until now.

Margaret was shot in 2005, but has been tied up in a protracted legal battle because the studio would not release Lonergan’s 3 hour cut. Whether or not Lonergan is happy with this 2.5 hour version, it is certainly a powerful film.

Anna Paquin gives the performance of her career as smart-mouthed Lisa, growing up in New York City as the daughter of divorced parents. Her mother is a Broadway star (perhaps the reason for Lisa’s tendency to be dramatic) and her father is living on the West Coast.

One day, after an unsatisfactory after class conference with her favourite teacher, Lisa decides she needs to buy a cowboy hat to wear on an upcoming vacation with her father. But she can’t find one. Just as she gives up, she sees a bus driver wearing one she likes. She waves and runs alongside the bus as she tries to get his attention to ask where he got it. The bus driver sees her and, for a crucial instant, takes his eyes off the road.

Lisa’s emotions regarding the tragedy she unwittingly contributed to are initially ambiguous, as are her feelings about covering up for the driver.  However, as time passes she feels compelled to do something, but in doing so manages to draw everyone around her into a maelstrom of pain and destruction.

Is it guilt she is wrestling with? A need for redemption? Righteousness? Is she lashing out at her mother? Or is she merely pledging vengeance on someone who put her into a weak position?

That Paquin can raise all these questions with her performance is remarkable. Even more remarkable is that her wholly unlikeable character is someone we can’t tear ourselves away from. The ensemble cast should also receive credit for performances which both play-off and enhance Paquin’s lead.

I didn’t notice the 2.5 hour running time at all. In fact I wished I was seeing Lonergan’s 3 hour cut because several of the plot threads did not seem to tie together the way I imagined they should. If that version is ever released, I will certainly be at the head of the line to see it.

8/10

(Admit One’s James was also taken by the film and Paquin’s performance, giving it 8.5/10)