CARMEN: Review

Carmen stars veteran British actress Natascha McElhone (Designated Survivor) as a middle-aged woman from Malta in the 1980’s.

Coming to a point in her life where she must think about her future after tragedy strikes. Carmen embarks on a journey of self-discovery to find her true self. She explore happiness through her own choices, without the voice of others trying to influence her.

Through all this she finds the strength to embrace love, her own destiny, and choose her own path without having to follow old fashioned oppressive traditions and confront the heartbreak of the past allowing her to help the new people she meets such as the young housekeeper Rita played by Michela Farrugia.

Natasha McElhone’s ability to emote sympathy, endearing naivety, is a testament to her gifts as an actress and storyteller in front of the camera, but also the influence of director Valerie Buhagiar, who allows the story to flow through the eyes of Carmen and give us the audience the chance to go on this journey of self-discovery with her.

Even her look from the style of her clothes tells a story. I believe this represents the metamorphosis of Carmen. From the shy, loyal housekeeper to the free, curious, high spirited and effervescent woman in her 50s. She chooses to wear a red dress which is very symbolic after he passes away.

Location, Location, Location

Malta is becoming more and more popular with film productions recently, with its beautiful scenery, weather and landscapes it brings with it, like an extra character and capturing a different part of the Mediterranean and the local people. The cinematography is beautiful as it captures the richness and colour, connects to various moods and parts of the story. Combining the earthy and primary colour palettes which reflects the characters and locations, and how she is viewed by people in her hometown in Malta and more importantly how Carmen sees herself.

In an interview with The Screen Chatter Audio Podcast Natascha McElhone says:

” It was very good material, so I only had to honor Valerie’s (Buhagiar) writing and storytelling. And it was a joy. It is extraordinary when you have a bunch of people paddling in the same direction, who are incredibly enthusiastic, and positive, optimistic and creative”

From the same interview with The Screen Chatter Audio Podcast Director and Writer Valerie Buhagiar also added:

“My main objective is to make everyone feel safe, so that they can create best they can”

CARMEN Official Synopsis:

In a small Mediterranean village, Carmen has looked after her brother, the local priest, for her entire life. When the Church abandons Carmen, she is mistaken for the new priest. Carmen begins to see the world, and herself, in a new light.

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