Real gems are rarely appreciated or understood by everyone. They shine because they deliver and demand something 'more'. They linger in the imagination because they convey understandings we are only beginning to realise. This is certainly true of 'Belladonna', an increasingly intriguing tale which emerged unexpectedly as a cult triumph of Australian cinema.
The movie opens with the unseen guiding voice of an hypnotherapist alongside imagery of contemporary alternative medic Luke and past life scenes in Polish woods circa 1600.
The story chronicles the build-up to Luke's proposal and marriage to Katherine, a lawyer so driven that she even answers her mobile during his proposal. Even so, she emerges thanks to a fascinating performance, as a slightly off-kilter, often unintentionally amusing force to be reckoned with. Luke is also beautifully played, and as his past life love affair is recalled, so do powerful shifts begin to occur in his life. Changes which challenge his choice of bride and readiness to choose his heart's true calling. More than this you will have to savour when you watch the movie yourself.
The movie has been criticised for its slightly 'abrupt' ending, and this misses the point. This is a tale depicting sudden inner transformation and in truth, profound realisations can change things abruptly as a new chapter begins. Also, the suddenness heightens the emotional impact, so much so that I could hardly speak for a minute or so. I was so moved.
The soundtrack is a wonderfully eclectic mix, taking cues from the script to fuse the contemporary with seemingly modern vocal play at the climax . . . except this exceptional piece was amazingly written by Purcell centuries ago, and while it is taken from his opera 'King Arthur' it fits perfectly here, as if it were an evolution of a moment in Sally Potter's mesmerising 'Orlando' when Lord Orlando becomes Lady Orlando! While that movie was a tale of feminine sexuality emerging via androgyny and self-knowledge, Belladonna is an unusually tender tale of an endearingly average guy opening to intuitions and heart-felt callings. Both films play with time and consciousness and are linked by their exploration of feeling out of place.
Whether a viewer believes in reincarnation or not is secondary to the transformative power of the metaphor, and 'Belladonna' has an enveloping truthful resonance which will find the right people. I am thankful that I am one of them.
I give it a ten. I loved so much about it . . . the soundtrack, its shimmering central performances and it's thoughtful depiction of structured lives disintegrating deliciously in order for something new to emerge. Belladonna is a truly affirming, diverting and unusual tale to be savoured. Open your mind and your heart will enjoy it. Let Belladonna find you too.
