How to Be Louise

How to Be Louise is a stimulating and inscrutably interesting film that captures the complexities of womanhood, self-discovery and the quest for independence. Set against the backdrop of the late 1980s New York, the movie is directed by talented filmmaker, Anne Flournoy, who skillfully merges surrealistic influences and biting black comedy into one seamless motion picture.

The central protagonist, Louise, is charmingly portrayed by actress Lea Floden. Louise is painstakingly familiar, battling between social expectations and personal ambitions, all the while struggling with the complexities of her self-worth and identity. She is a woman on the precipice of something grand, yet she struggles to make the leap. She is an actress, struggling with her fading career and the realities of a dreary existence in New York City.

The narrative considers an unemployed actress working towards understanding herself and regaining her place in the world. Living what could be defined as a rather mundane and somewhat terrifying existence, she’s flanked on either side by her well-meaning, but at times overbearing, parents and her boyfriend, who is partly a source of support and paradoxically, a source of considerable confusion.

Steve Ahern brilliantly portrays this boyfriend, also a struggling actor, who may be seen as Louise’s exact opposite. He's haphazard, carefree, and wholly open to the idea of diving headfirst into the unknown, a concept that scares Louise to death. Their relationship is a beautiful exploration of opposites and how they attract, repel and depend on each other. It delves into the question of companionship and its role in our lives' trajectory, shedding light on the symbiotic nature of relationships and personal growth.

Dan Bonnell enlivens the film with his portrayal of an impulsive filmmaker, mapping out his own path through the realms of surreal and independent cinema. His character is symbolistic of the domineering nature of societal pressure and its heightened significance, specifically in the world of entertainment.

How to Be Louise integrates various elements such as dark humour, vivid imagery and poignant dialogues to paint a compelling picture of a woman's coming of age journey, doused in the distinctive flavor of the vibrant city life and its nuanced ethos. Exploring topics such as self-esteem, emotional vulnerability, and existential uncertainty, the film seeks to elevate the narrative beyond just mere storytelling, turning it into a thoughtful commentary on evolving femininity and the human condition.

The cinematographic prowess that How to Be Louise showcases is unique and engaging. The film's backdrop of a bustling New York City in the late '80s and early '90s is shot with care, resulting in magnificent and real tableaus of the city's life. This feature of the film acts as not just a visually pleasing tool, but also as an effective storytelling component, making the city somewhat of a character in its own right.

Though on the surface, the film may seem like a rom-com with a female lead's battles of individuality and romantic relationships. However, upon a closer look, it is much more than that. How to Be Louise subtly addresses societal norms, the concept of personal freedom, and the search for identity in a world that can often be harsh and unforgiving.

In conclusion, How to Be Louise is a brave and brutally honest film about a woman’s journey and struggle to find herself amid chaos and uncertainty. Its narrative presents a myriad of societal, personal, and professional issues that many people, not just actresses, grapple with regularly, making it a must-watch presentation that keeps its audience engaged from start to finish. It is a film that encourages self-reflection, adding depth to what one might initially expect from the premise.