David O'ConnellRare Exports: A Christmas Tale
November 29th 2010 05:08
Finnish director Jalmari Helander’s debut feature, a fable about a not so benign Santa Claus, would have made a brilliant short film. And indeed it is in fact a prequel to his earlier shorts covering similar terrain. Though stretched out to what is an admittedly economical 78 minutes however, it still gives the impression of containing a little too much padding. Yet its central idea is such a deliciously dark and twisted one that the film ultimately earns a pass mark.
The opening sequence of Rare Exports sees an expedition team drilling into the frozen heart of a mountain where the prize sought by the beneficiary egging them on to greater deeds awaits. It's almost Christmas and some of the irate locals are less than happy with proceedings but it’s young Pietari (Onni Tommila) who suspects that the venture is related to an ancient local myth which identifies the mountain as the final resting place of a less than cherubic, jolly Santa. His father Rauno (Jorma Tommila) wants vengeance when his reindeer are found massacred and assisted by a few mostly clueless friends, he decides to investigate the site further.
This leads to the discovery of an ancient, withered man they assume to be part of the drilling party. But the truth is something different, with incomprehensible implications attached. In fact, the mute and ancient figure is masking a terrible secret in his snow-encrusted beard and cruelly glimmering eyes.
As Rare Exports mostly unfolds through the eyes of young Pietari, it becomes clear that it's more of a creepy parable for children - and one meant to curl their toes at Christmas time - than a no-holds-barred adult horror story. Despite this, and the fact that Helander may have been undermined by budgetary restraints, it’s still a shame he wasn’t able to tip the scales a little more by delving deeper into the horrific elements that might have christened his unique tale with a more fully developed sense of the macabre.
There’s nothing particularly inspiring about the cast; crisp visuals showcasing the wintry expanses of this place leave a far more favourable impression, as does a tireless and evocative score by Jurri and Miska Seppa. A flabby middle section - meant to relay the confusion of the suspicious and curious locals whilst building a sense of dread - plays havoc with the momentum created in the opening scenes. It almost tips over into boredom before Helander gets the train back on track with an occasionally inspired last half an hour, but certainly the opportunities for excess must have been difficult to resist. Letting a bloodthirsty Santa off his leash on screen would have lifted the film’s rating in a heartbeat.
A clever twist, which proves that we’ve only be privy to a fraction of the equation, means that the best revelation is saved for late in the game. Again, it’s such a spirited - not to mention perverted - idea and admirably staged as the locals come face to face (well, almost) with their true opponent, buried for so long in the mountain that he requires all the town's heaters to unthaw him! Ultimately Rare Exports (2010) proves to be a shade undernourished to reach the heights that initially beckon. Nevertheless, its imaginative execution and audacious tweaking of the Santa Claus legend still carry it a long way.
Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale opens in Australian cinemas this Thursday, December 2.
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Comment by Cinema Autopsy
The premise of this film is such a good one but it feels padded to the point that I got bored with it. It absolutely would have worked better as a short film and not showing us Santa on a rampage was a missed opportunity. Great in conception but disappointing in execution. Anyway, your review nailed it so I have nothing more to say.
Cheers
Thomas
Comment by David O'Connell
20/20 Filmsight
Screen Fanatic
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
I've had several people recommend this one too me. I didn't read all your review for fear of spoilers but from the first and last paragraph I know I will end up seeing this out of curiosity.
I love the concept behind it and there hasn't been a good X-Mas film since Bad Santa so that adds to the attraction.
Comment by Matt Shea
There is that flat bit in the middle, and it does sometimes feel like the filmmakers got caught in demographic no-man's land, but, man, some of the ideas they come up with -- gold. I gave them a budget-concerned pass on the Santa thing (not wanting to spoil it for those keen to discover the flick for themselves).
Comment by David O'Connell
20/20 Filmsight
Screen Fanatic
You certainly liked this more than me Matt, but I have nothing against it at all. Its best ideas are certainly great ones mate, I can't dispute that!