During
WWII, the residents of Malta were collectively awarded the George Cross for
their brave defiance of the Axis onslaught. Sadly, they were not so united in
the 1970s, when Labour Prime Minister Dom Mintoff and his allies employed
political violence and strong-arm techniques to consolidate their grip on power.
For an unemployed boxer, political thuggery is the only position open to him,
but it comes at the cost of his soul in Arev Manoukian’s The Maltese Fighter (trailer here), which screens as
part of a program of Maltese short films during this year’s Panorama Europe at
MoMI.
Carmelo
is a warrior in the ring, but it provides little compensation for the single
father. His shipyard job did not bring in much more, while he had it. It is 1971
and a new administration has taken over. Known supporters of Mintoff’s critics
are in for it. Carmelo is imminently qualified to bash them black-and-blue, but
he is awkwardly recognizable. He has a crisis of conscience after only one
night, but his new masters will inevitably come around again with another list
of names to visit.
Fighter is a visually a
striking film that fully capitalizes on Valetta’s stunning harborscape and its
gritty back alleys. Cinematographer Matthew Emvin Taylor, gives it a golden
hue, with an ominous tint. If ever there were a film with a keen sense of place,
this would be it.
Perhaps
just as importantly, Malcom Ellul, who has mainly played gladiators and
centurions up to this point, gives a remarkable performance as the
guilt-wracked Carmelo. He is no mere side of beef. This is sensitive, subtly
turned work. Yet, he is also clearly physically cut, so he looks mucho
convincing in the boxing ring.
This
is a powerful cinematic statement that directly addresses a violent era many
would prefer to whitewash and water-down. Indeed, it serves as an uncomfortable
reminder, like a punch-drunk fighter who refuses to go down. It is also quite a
bold showcase for the talents of Manoukian, Ellul, Taylor, and the rest of the
ensemble. Very highly recommended, The
Maltese Fighter screens this Saturday (5/19), as part of the 2018 Panorama
Europe.
