Film and Felt

A sweet little film about the universality of loneliness, The Band’s Visit succeeds admirably whenever it doesn’t attempt to exceed its modest scope. Fortunately, director Eran Kolirin understands where his film’s strengths lie: in the quiet dignity of protagonist Tawfiq (Sasson Gabai), the tender, paternal relationship between the reserved Tawfig and young playboy Haled (Saleh Bakri); the subdued portrayal of humanitarianism and all-encompassing emotions despite rocky relations between the Egyptians and Israelis. There are very few missteps throughout this poignant picture, though Kolirin does stumble a bit during Tawfiq’s big revelation, which feels a bit big for The Band’s Visit’s britches. Still, even this slight hiccup can be justified by assigning it to the previously mentioned father/son dynamic.

The Band’s Visit takes place in Israel, where an Egyptian Police Orchestra arrives to bring in the opening of an Arabic art center with some hometown music. It’s immediately striking how detached this awkward ground of musicians is from the Israeli culture & people. Attempts at conversation lead nowhere, whether they’re unsuccessful romantic advances or simply to ask for directions. Footage of the band is comprised of predominantly long shots, which frame them in emptiness, surrounded by nothing but wilderness and long roads. Phone calls are cut off, requests for information dismissed. Not until Tawfiq & company encounter the beautiful Israeli Dina (Ronit Elkabetz) do they receive anything resembling warmth, but even her surprising hospitality is anything but smooth. The band members split into two groups—one spending the night with Dina, the other with her friend Itzik’s family—and it becomes immediately evident that the two cultures, despite the coldness between them, share the same sensibilities. Families bicker at dinner, couples whine. The shyness of meeting someone new is incomparable in all countries, and wistfulness exists everywhere; seeing the young man wait by the pay phone day after day for his girlfriend to call is a lovely touch. It’s all quite charming and authentic.

The script, which could easily have drifted into saccharine territory, is consistently fluid without any hokum. In fact, The Band’s Visit is often surprisingly funny, spearheaded by a riotous, single shot sequence in a local roller rink that dispenses dating advice for about four minutes without the aid of a single spoken word. And Gabai effortlessly carries the bulk of the picture, imbuing Tawfiq with passion and soul behind his conservative front. His extended “date” with Dina is tinged with longing and inner realization. Though its restrained ambitions keeps The Band’s Visit from achieving greatness or true emotional heft, it shouldn’t be ignored; few modern movies are as unpretentious. Kolirin is definitely a director I’ll be keeping my eye on in the years to come.

RATING: pro (+)