"Kechiche's Canto Two: Autumn Sorrow in 'Mektoub, My Love'"
Abdellatif Kechiche, the director behind the critically acclaimed film "Blue is the Warmest Color" (which won the Palme d'Or at Cannes in 2013), has returned to the screen with the second instalment of his series, "Mektoub, My Love." The sequel, titled "Mektoub, My Love: Canto Due," is currently being showcased at the 2021 Locarno Film Festival.
First in the series, "Mektoub, My Love: Canto Uno," was a beautiful film set in Sète, southern France, during the summer of 1994. The film focused on a young aspiring screenwriter and director named Amin, portrayed by Shoheir Khalil, who found himself immersed in a world of love, relationships, and identity. The film was noted for its vibrant portrayal of a Mediterranean summer and its exploration of youth culture, although it received mixed reviews for its slow pace and narrative simplicity.
In "Mektoub, My Love: Canto Due," Amin continues to be the protagonist, but the narrative scope expands to include additional characters and storylines. Notably, the film introduces Ophélie, a character caught in a dilemma related to her pregnancy and military fiancé. The Pattersons, an American couple, also make an appearance, adding a new dimension to the story. However, some critics have noted that certain characters feel adrift, and the narrative is somewhat diversionary.
The tone of "Mektoub, My Love: Canto Due" moves from a breezy, pleasurable start to a more intense and melancholic conclusion. The film has been criticized for its lack of closure and focus, with some viewing it as a setup for further chapters that may not materialize. Despite these criticisms, the film remains one of the most anticipated films of the Locarno Film Festival competition.
The setting for both films remains in Sète, southern France, during the summer. Scenes of eating on the beach and dancing with characters are prevalent, contributing to the film's sensual and atmospheric portrayal of summer life. The story in "Mektoub, My Love: Canto Due" suggests that the only possibility of fulfillment lies within the space of desire.
The cast for "Mektoub, My Love: Canto Due" has managed to maintain its youthful appearance, thanks to continuous shooting without breaks. This continuity adds a layer of realism to the series, as the characters' lives unfold over time.
In conclusion, while "Canto Uno" establishes a tight circle of young adults, "Canto Due" expands on these characters but also introduces new threads that may not be fully resolved, leaving some storylines open-ended. The series is known for its sensual and atmospheric portrayal of summer life, but the narrative progression in "Canto Due" feels less cohesive compared to its predecessor. Regardless, the Locarno Film Festival audience is eager to witness the continuation of Amin's journey and the unfolding of the series' intricate narrative.
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