The Voice Actress

Anna Takayama's short but pregnant film is perhaps an exhortation to artistic and personal independence. Beautifully photographed by Conor Murphy, the direction is assured and the visual themes of color symbolism (orange for life, blue for death, perhaps) and use of camera movement and stasis to deliniate the story is quite masterful. The music, Ozu-style, is sparingly but pointedly used only in those moments without dialogue, and the simple story belies a wealth of meaning which may only become apprent after repeated viewings.

The acting is uniformly excellent, and Urara Takano (the director's mother) gives a touching performance in the lead role. A film that promises much for the future.