I feel a film should take you on a journey. Diminuendo does precisely that. Even before we are given the full premise, it sets a mood which I was very much on board for. Subsequently, I found myself quite eager to see where this film was going to take me, as things developed.
The primary cast is exceptional. Richard Hatch in particular. I must admit, I was a fan of his long before this. I feel it is one of his best performances. And as it was his last film, it is one he could be proud of. Granted, I've not often seen him in roles that provided this much opportunity to show his talent. Certainly not to this degree.
There's a B plot which involves an unlikable character, which is. . .well, unlikable. I found the b plot pay off very amusing. It was also well placed, as it followed some rather weighty moments of quiet desperation with Hatch's character, Calvin. In fact, his entire performance, the situation his character finds himself in, and how the director, Adrian Stewart, manages to expose everything Calvin is experiencing. . .
I was quite deliberate in my use of the word "expose." If you have lost someone close to you, there may be recognizable moments here. Director Stewart manages to bring us to a deeper place with Calvin. There's the expected, which is seen externally, but Stewart is hauntingly faithful with what only we see inside. And if you've experienced this, both are like a knife to the heart. Both can bring you to your knees.
I can't speak to what another's reaction might be. All I can say is that this film can feel more personal than most. Some films have scenes described as being "hyper-real." What Stewart does with Diminuendo is color outside of the lines of the Hollywood "hyper-real," resulting in the "real."
There's a particular shot that I would very much like to praise here, but to make note of it may also spoil it.
I'm not so singular that I believe my distinct response to this film at times will be unique. I do see this being a personal, more relatable film experience for many who watch it. Particularly for those who carry someone with them. And eventually. . .don't we all?
