On a Clear Day (2005) Movie Review
"On a Clear Day." Have you heard of Peter Mullan? While he might not be a household name for many, since 1990, he has quietly climbed the ranks to become one of the top British film actors. Hailing from Scotland, he started with minor roles in films like "Riff-Raff," "Shallow Grave," "Braveheart," and "Trainspotting." In 1998, he caught everyone's attention with his lead role in Ken Loach's "My Name Is Joe," portraying a recovering alcoholic on the verge of trusting himself again and earning him the best actor award at Cannes.
Since then, Mullan has consistently delivered powerful performances. From playing a servant having an affair with a countess in Mike Figgis' "Miss Julie" (1999) to running a frontier town in Michael Winterbottom's "The Claim" (2000), based on a Thomas Hardy story relocated to the Sierra Nevadas. He even directed "The Magdalene Sisters" (2002), shedding light on the harsh practice of condemning curious girls to a life of unpaid servitude in church laundries in Ireland. In "Young Adam" (2003), he portrayed a barge captain whose wife is taken by a young crew member they hired.
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Now, let's talk about "On a Clear Day." It's a more traditional film compared to Mullan's earlier unconventional projects with directors like Ken Loach, Danny Boyle, and Michael Winterbottom. Going from those dynamic collaborations to the lead in a more standard movie raises questions about progress in his career. Mullan is in a similar career stage as Al Pacino was when he did "Bobby Deerfield." Sometimes, actors make the error of thinking they can play any role just because they can.
In "On a Clear Day," Peter Mullan takes on the role of Frank Redmond, a shipbuilder in Glasgow recently laid off after dedicating half his life to the job. Frank grapples with inner demons, blaming himself for his son's drowning, and his newfound free time leads him into a spiral of depression, culminating in a hospitalization for a panic attack. The movie, however, tends to use these emotional struggles more as plot devices than genuine challenges, stirring up the lives of other characters.
Frank's wife, Joan (played by Brenda Blethyn), seizes the opportunity to pursue her dream of becoming a bus driver. Meanwhile, Frank's pals transform into a close-knit group, offering support and wisdom, particularly from Chan (Benedict Wong), the local takeaway shop owner. Chan imparts insights like, "A gem cannot be polished without friction, or a man perfected without trials," whether it's from a fortune cookie or not. Frank's crisis prompts his friends to rally around him, with Chan joining the buddy team.
In an impulsive move, Frank begins swimming, eventually setting his sights on an ambitious goal—to swim the English Channel. This becomes his way of overcoming depression and proving he still matters despite his unemployment. Unbeknownst to Frank, Joan hesitates to share her bus-driving plans with him.
The film builds up to Frank's Channel swim, and while the outcome remains undisclosed here, it's unlikely he'll meet a tragic end in this type of movie. Despite Frank's journey, "On a Clear Day" falls short of delving deep into its themes. After the Channel attempt, the movie lacks a compelling follow-up. What will Frank do next—try to surpass his own record, find work at the takeaway? Joan, as the sensible and goal-oriented wife, seems to have a clearer path. While we may root for Frank as he pursues his dream, the movie itself doesn't leave a lasting impression. However, it could be seen as a contribution toward Peter Mullan's future career.
(Note: The term "Baked Potato People movies" is a playful reference, honoring the words of a friend who liked to announce his own "baked potato" experience with humor.)