Return to Waterloo

Return to Waterloo is a riveting 1984 British film directed by Ray Davies, the lead singer of The Kinks, and produced by Jeremy Thomas. This ambitious film stars acclaimed actors Tim Roth, Kenneth Colley, and Claire Parker. It is a unique experiment in cinematic storytelling, blending elements of drama and music in a vibrantly unique way that explores subtle themes of urban alienation and displacement.

The film opens with Tim Roth, characterized as 'The Traveller,' who, in his distinctive style, encapsulates the role of an ordinary individual trapped in his thoughts and inner struggles. His journey begins in a morning commuter train from Guildford to London's Waterloo station, a typical route for London's working class. It is through this journey that the movie delves into the mind of 'The Traveller,' offering viewers a chance to reflect on their life, choices, and aspirations—taking them into an introspection of their banal existence.

Kenneth Colley delivers an intriguing performance as 'The Hitcher,' an enigmatic character that accentuates the film's philosophical undertone. He personifies the destructive impulse—the chaos that can intrude and alter one's life course in an otherwise routine commuter ride. Viewers get to experience the rhythmic synchrony between physical movement of the train and emotional unrest instigated by ‘The Hitcher'.

Claire Parker's performance as the vulnerable 'Woman on the Train' adds another layer of depth to the narrative. Her interaction with Tim Roth's character explores the nuances of human desires, fears, and emotional vulnerabilities that often remain buried under the veneer of societal expectations and self-censorship.

Return to Waterloo is not just a film; it is a visual album that represents the collective human experience of living in an urban society, traversing through societal norms and individual eccentricities. The film is notable for its seamless integration of music into the narrative structure. Ray Davies utilizes his prowess in songwriting and storytelling, creating a lyrical landscape that forms the narrative's backbone. It evokes a distinctive audio-visual experience, featuring a soundtrack composed by The Kinks, echoing the film's principal themes and emotional spaces contained within the narrative.

The storyteller's vision is brought to life through the striking cinematography by Roger Deakins. With careful use of close-ups, powerful framing, and meticulous lighting, the movie presents a visual metaphor of an everyman's struggle within the harsh metropolis. The scenic transitions from quiet, suburban landscapes to the swirling chaos of central London are beautifully captured. The metaphorical journey unfolds in a commuters' train, serving as a canvas for the characters' internal dilemmas, aspirations, regrets, and suppressed desires.

Return to Waterloo is not conventional apt for movie streotypes. It uses a linguistic narrative of song lyrics to voice the structural narrative, making it a daring artistic attempt that might not appeal to everyone. The performances are commendable, hinting on the layered depths of human emotions and nuances of silent gestures. Davies as a first-time director shows promise, amplifying the impact of the narrative through his subtly insistent style and musical forte.

Overall, Return to Waterloo is a vastly ambitious cinematic experiment that holds onto its mysterious element, keeps the viewer gripped with its symbolic storytelling, and leaves an impression long after you have left the cinema. Its bold narrative treatment, subtle performances, and an evocative score, make this film a worth watching piece of art that echoes within your soul.