By Rama Gaind
Film: ‘The Waiting City’
Cast: Radha Mitchell, Joel Edgerton, Samrat Chakrabarti, Isabel Lucas
Director: Claire McCarthy
A bittersweet, true-to-life film that challenges the senses and gets you to think about the real values in life.
It tells of the hardships faced by an Australian couple Fiona (Mitchell) and Ben (Edgerton) who go to Kolkata (Calcutta), India, to adopt a little girl named Lakshmi.
They are impatient after waiting for two years, but become frustrated when red tape further delays their meeting. That’s when cracks in their relationship become apparent. Fiona is a lawyer, the main breadwinner, who works long distance.
Ben, on the surface, appears easy-going, but is a frustrated musician who loves playing his guitar. Hidden beneath the surface is the damage revealed following depression.
One wonders what Fiona sees in Ben. He seems distant. She is the more dominant partner.
Devoid of a specific plot, there’s an absorbing ambience created by Australian writer/director Claire McCarthy. She captures it – warts and all.
However, it’s easy to get caught up with images of the Indian lifestyle; bureaucratic red tape; orphanage staff, the likeable Krishna (Chakrabarti), the unofficial tour guide who is the nephew of the hotel manager; meeting his family members; and attending a wedding are most touching. He is also Fiona’s ethical sound board.
The people of Kolkata form the heart and soul of the film which is beautifully layered.
‘The Waiting City’ is about spirituality and the effect the Hindu gods have on a resilient Fiona.
A lot of emotional ground is covered in a short span of time, but McCarthy sets out to make the audience think about a number of issues including international adoption but passes no judgement.
Combine the cinematography by Denson Baker and the pulsating Indian-inspired soundtrack, and you undertake a satisfying journey.
Kolkata’s colourful tapestry of life is beautifully captured, full of hope and love.
Full credit to Claire McCarthy for pulling off an incredible feat: leading a versatile Australian and Indian crew, shooting in over 40 locations, overcoming the language barrier and working with professional and non-professional actors.
