Based on the book by Mitch Cullin this ‘Southern Gothic’ tale of childhood drama and awakening has been brought to the screen by veteran director Terry Gilliam. Before the BBFC classification screen appears we see Gilliam himself make a short disclaimer and plea to the audience, something that I cannot remember seeing in a film for a long time.
The film revolves around a young girl named Jeliza-Rose; played by the talented Jodelle Ferland who has appeared in many TV shows already. After a domestic incident her father, an aged rocker played by Jeff Bridges, and her disappear to her Grandmother’s house. A ramshackle heap near a train line somewhere in the wheat-basket of the US. As stresses and strains take their toll on the young girl she retreats inside her head and spends much time talking to her only friends, four doll heads for whom she provides the voices. Slowly she explores the surrounding countryside and from here the film starts to develop still further as Jeliza-Rose is introduced to some colourful local characters.
Gilliam’s introduction is absolutely warranted; as a reminder that one should allow yourself to be swept along by a film, and if this is achieved this can be of the best ways of appreciating even the most bizarre of tales. I would imagine that some of the scenes could be described as shocking or in poor taste, but this film is not telling us how to perceive the story, merely capturing a fictional but plausible tale of a girl in an unusual situation.
The film is beautifully shot and is, as can be expected of Gilliam, full of quirks, eccentricities, and surprises. The supporting cast play their roles well, and I especially note Brendan Fletcher’s sensitive, and to me at least, accurate portrayal of an inbred but kind-hearted simpleton.
Ironically Gilliam stated in an interview that he thought that this film, like with his earlier work ‘Time Bandits’, would be claimed by children as a film for them. One is left wondering that if some careful editing had taken place whether the film could have achieved a certification that would permit a younger audience. Whatever happens this is another interesting film from an adventurous filmmaker.
There is also a very good website for this film with lots of things to take a look at. The address is www.tidelandthemovie.com.
***1/2 (out of 5)
