LFF 2014: The Face Of An Angel ***

Those expecting some sort of ‘yet undisclosed’ revelation into the murder of exchange student Meredith Kercher and the guilt of Amanda Knox will be sorely disappointed and may be further perplexed by The Face of an Angel. From director Michael Winterbottom, the film actually uses the case to demonise media behaviour around such murder trials, with lead protagonist, film director Thomas Lang (played by Daniel Brühl) acting like judge and jury. The irony is Lang is also ‘using’ the sensational goings-on around that time for inspiration into his next film project.

As with every Winterbottom film, there is never anything linear to grasp onto. This is a complex journey charting one man’s moral compass. Lang is initially seduced by the media hype and possibility of carving something creative from the aftermath, but he soon realises – through having a daughter of his own – that something more positive must arise from such ugliness. It is this part of Lang’s journey that indulges Winterbottom’s arty side, as his character chases parallels with great academics to pursue a film about love – enter model-come-actress Cara Delevingne as that guiding, youth light.

Brühl (Niki Lauda in Rush) takes on the troubled presence that is Lang, a divorcee and artist having a serious case of writer’s block, with his usual serious gusto and panache, making a damaged Lang as personable as possible, but keeping empathy for him at arm’s length. He is never a character to like or dislike. In fact, like the mystery of Kercher’s killer, Lang remains a kind of turbulent enigma, which keeps the ambiguity of the whole film ticking over.

Delevingne is loved by the camera lens in her modeling line of work, and as Melanie, a carefree spirit full of opportunity, this is further enhanced. Indeed, Delevingne appears to be a natural actor in the right part – this being a fitting debut, delivering an accomplish performance. As Melanie she pacifies Lang and brings him back into the light.

The Face of an Angel is a mixed bag; beautiful to look at in stunning Italian surroundings, and morose as we are dragged into the darkest enclaves of Perugia’s architecture as Lang implodes, personally and professionally. It also champions some great acting, among the strands of bewildering and self-indulgent script. It is an artist’s take on a murder mystery in fact, making sure love shines through as the final saviour.

3/5 stars

By @FilmGazer

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