Galloping Mind (2015), a film written and directed by Wim Vandekeybus, and also his debut drama feature proves to be more then a pleasant surprise. Together with what seems to be almost a full house, I had the opportunity to witness the premiere of his debut, a drama starring Jerry Killick, Natali Broods and an assemble cast of terrific child actors.
Galloping Mind tells the story about twins separated during birth. They both grow up in different environments. Twelve years later their paths cross again and the search for their roots and independence starts. The story of these twins are interwoven with those of their adult counterparts played by Jerry Killick and Natali Broods. The voice over spoken word by Jerry Killick during his radioshow 'Galloping Mind' serves as a 'link' throughout the movie and changes in nature with the tone of the film and the emotions of the characters.
The casting can only be described as intriguing. Jerry Killick is a true pleasure to withhold. He plays his role as part-time pet shop owner, part-time radio maker with a natural fury rarely seen in Belgian productions today. The scenes he shares with his young counterparts are a feast for your eyes and make you wonder how Vandekeybus could bring these children on the same level as Killick. Its maybe due this dynamic that Natali Broods' character seems to be one of the only flaws in his film. Her accent made it difficult to portray a believable character.
The cinematography is a wonder to look at, from the galloping horses to the action scenes or a dancing and drunk Jerry Killick. All of this is filmed in a fast and exciting pace that takes you on a emotional roller-coaster ride. At first it feels like total chaos, but after a while you feel that Vandekeybus' past as a choreographer is interwoven with the chaotic yet structured camera-work of Gabor Szabo. This great photography is supported by the jazzy, rocky and chaotic sounds made by Mauro and Ribot, and perfectly suit the story and visuals.
For his directorial debut Wim Vandekeybus proves to be a risk taker, he uses the 'three don't's' of movie making: water, kids and animals, and is willingly using them all together. He takes the challenge to combine them all in his structured chaotic world. He is a director who knows how to direct children. These young stars acted fluently and were on the same level as the grown ups.
Upon watching this debut it is a certainty that this isn't for everyone. The movie is fast, exciting and takes you on an emotional roller-coaster ride although this isn't your normal roller-coaster ride, maybe due to it's 'rock and roll' approach in filmmaking. In the end Galloping mind is the result of a great start for Wim Vandekeybus and hopefully an interesting career as director.
