Disgrace - Film In Review
Written by Courtney Wotherspoon
Film In Review
From the seemingly never-ending pit of light-hearted comedies that are being released at the moment comes a film that deals with issues that are too often dumped in the too hard basket by feature films.
‘Disgrace’ is the latest masterpiece from director Steve Jacobs, telling the the story of a complex South African society dealing with the aftermath of Apartheid.
The film focuses on the relationship between Professor David Laurie (John Malkovich) and his lesbian daughter Lucy, who is played by South African actress, Jessica Haines.
“Lucy is a character that is so unbelievably layered and complex and I think to have the opportunity as an actor to play her is a huge privilege, a role like that doesn't come around too often,” says Haines of her debut role.
Haines says that she felt she knew Lucy inside out by the time they started filming - two years after she landed the role. “I've subconsciously been preparing for this role my whole life, I was born in the Eastern Cape so I have a huge affiliation with that side of South Africa and the culture, I also speak a little of the language so I can really relate to her.”
This is the first time that the Booker Prize winning novel by Nobel Laureate J.M. Coetzee has been brought to the big screen and Jessica says that Jacobs went to great efforts to ensure it stayed true to novel that so many people loved.
“I think they have done an unbelievably accurate job. The film is so much more than a political statement. It makes statements about human nature and mankind in general, it's just about instincts and things that are so a part of who we are as human beings. It comments on the disgrace of human nature which is a tough thing for people to watch, I think that's why it's so controversial, people don't really want to see it but they need to.”
‘Disgrace’ effortlessly brings together issues of self-discovery, gender, and the fundamental relationships between woman and man and dumps them in the laps of the viewer, ensuring they won't easily forget this film. Something Haines is confident of.
“I'm hoping that people will walk away thinking about and reflecting on the issues raised. I also hope that people will see South Africa for the beautiful aspects of the country and realise that it is an amazing place despite its history.”
‘Disgrace’ hits cinema screens on June 18.
