As synopsis suggests, “Syndromes and a Century” is a Thai drama directed by Apichatpong Weerasethakul that appeals to deep thought. The motion picture embodies the thoughtfulness of memory and self, as well as the dichotomy of present and past. In the first and second act, the story is set within a rural hospital and its urban counterpart, and within these two settings, the intricacies of Weerasethakul’s parents life, who were doctors, are thoughtfully intertwined to form a surreal yet poetic depiction of human connection.
The first section of the film focuses on the interrelationship of work, social life, and romance in the small town setting of the rural hospital through a soft spoken female doctor, Toey and the shy male doctor, Nohng. While Toey has a monk pursuing her and tries to rekindle her old romance, Nohng tries to deal with his self ambition and affection towards his colleague.
When the narrative moves to the city, the audience is reintroduced to the original characters but places them into new situations that are parallel yet different, which creates a feeling of familiar deja vu. Despite it being set in the modern world, the film embraces fragmented and non-linear storytelling which gives a sense of blurring reality and nostalgia, and how certain experiences and places shape consciousness.
Cast & Crew
Dr. Toey: A true master of the art, Nantarat Sawaddikul as Toey performs with stunning poise and care while managing her personal and professional glories.
Dr. Nohng: Jaruchai Iamaram’s Nohng, though outwardly and introverted, is secretly very ambitious providing a nice twist to the character.
The Monk: Sophon Pukanok, adds the touch of love and spirituality to the story he is truly a charismatic figure.
Noon: The witty dental assistant managed effortlessly by Nu Nimsomboon provides warmth and levity to Nohng’s life.
All of these aspects, including the director’s vision of the film, is beautifully captured by Apichatpong Weerasethakul who perfectly captures the natural slow pacing of the environment alongside the dreamlike aesthetic that blurs reality with memory through long takes.
Themes and Analysis
Memory and Impermanence: As with many other of his works, Syndromes and a Century shares the central theme of how memories form a person’s identity while simultaneously explaining the struggles and how it is ultimately all but a reflection of the past.
The Rural vs. Urban Divide: The serene and tranquil countryside is imperiled by the monotonous and sterile city, signifying the facts and truths of relationships and life in the modern age, the film emphasizes the fact that human alienation is one very real consequence of life.
Love and Connection: Relationship dynamics based on longing, poor communication and tenderness are showcased through deep romantic undertones merging seamlessly into Nohng’s life.
Spirituality and Science: The contrasting figures of monks and doctors illustrates the difference of beliefs and medicine in exploring the human experience.
Cinematography and The Visual Style
The film’s visual language serves as a narrative on its own. Mukdeeprom Sayombhu, the cinematographer, employs natural light and unmoving scenes to establish a tranquil setting. The vivid greenery of the countryside, alongside the cold, clinical white of the city hospital, further emphasize the thematic contrasts. The camera captures still close ups of very normal scenes and transforms them into artful snapshots.
Critical Reception
Syndromes and a Century debuted at the Venice Film Festival in 2006, earning accolades for its reliance on ‘show, don’t tell’ narrative style alongside its themes. Weerasethakul was commended for his ability to merge a personal family history with a universally relatable story. While some viewers had a difficult time adapting to the unhurried pace and the abstract story telling, others valued the deeper meaning of the film.
Audience Reception
Weerasethakul fans were delightfully taken in by the philosophical depth that the film. However, he is stylistically avant-garde, appealing to a niche audience, which can pose a slight challenge to newcomers due to the disarrayed order in which events unfold. The dreamy visuals paired with poignant moments of the characters served as a highlight for many viewers.
Nostalgia and Interpretation
The film’s personal account gives it a refreshing touch, making the viewers introspect on their own recollections. The alienation of ‘modernity’ is something one cannot overlook in the urban segments of the film, while the rural hospital scenes invoke a deep sense of nostalgia.
In the End
Such is the case for Syndromes and a Century. It is a very intimate film which is evocative in nature and is deeply personal because it cuts accross all forms of art and gives a poem in the form of a meditiation on the topic of time, memory, and human connections. It is one of those films that does not ask the viewer for answers, but rather for them to feel and be present in the moment, which result in a sense of awe that lingers long after the pixelated words ‘the end’ disappear.
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