The Falling Star
Written and Directed by Dominique Abel and Fiona Gordon
Starring Fiona Gordon, Dominique Able, Kaori Ito and Philippe Martz
Runtime 1 hour and 38 minutes
In select theaters August 30

by Rosalie Kicks, Old Sport & Editor in Chief

“I do not want to be him.”

Dominique Abel and Fiona Gordon have been making motion pictures together since 1992. These two lanky beings are a couple of eccentric loons in the absolute best way possible. Their films are loaded with homages to filmmaking of days gone by. Reminiscent of pictures made by silent film icons such as Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin, to golden age-hoofers such as Eleanor Powell and Fred Astaire. Whenever I get wind of one of their new projects, I am always thrilled to check it out, as I know I will be in for a treat. Their latest venture, The Falling Star, proves that this duo has not lost their charm on me yet.

Boris (Dominique Abel), a former radical of sorts, has been in hiding after he bombed a bank in 1986. Thirty some odd years later, he now slings brews at a small pub known as The Falling Star alongside some curious characters, Kayoko (Kaori Ito) and Tim (Philippe Martz). Both of his colleagues seem to be aware of his identity and may have taken part in the attack of the financial institution… this is never confirmed or denied. When a puzzling one armed man walks into Boris’ bar seeking revenge, it sets into motion a series of comedic and blundering antics.

Fortunately, the attempt on Boris’ life is unrealized. However, this event in turn sends Kayoko and Tim into a scramble as they attempt to find a way to protect their comrade from further incidents. Tim happens to stumble upon a man named, Dom (Dominique Abel) that appears to look almost exactly like Boris. Together Tim and Kayoko perform a bit of a makeover and with a snip of a pony tail, voilà, the solution to their problem is solved via a switch-a-roo. Neither of the men are too keen on the swap, but ultimately have zero choice in the matter. Meanwhile, a somewhat bumbling private investigator, Fiona (Fiona Gordon) is on their tail. Without the use of technological advancements, she operates a detective agency whose main focus seems to be finding missing pets. Coincidentally, she is also the ex-wife of Dom.

This entire plot is ridiculous, yet the magic of Abel and Gordon make this quirky story work. Their impeccable direction with the cast often makes movements speak louder than words. This technique is not something found solely in The Falling Star, but is a hallmark of their films. Choreographed dance and actions cause numerous scenes to not only be memorable but deliver an insight into the characters’ idiosyncrasies. There is a sequence in which a gaggle of pub patrons, Dom, Fiona, Tim, and Kayoko participate in a boogie shortly after having a run-in with the one armed man. Moments such as this might come off as outlandish or fluff, yet these are the particular occasions within the picture that I enjoy the most. There is a sense of craftsmanship that occurs to achieve such spectacles.

The role of Kayoko, in particular, stands out to me. Even with the part having very few words, her overall demeanor and mannerisms convey who she is: a no nonsense, get the job done kinda gal. To have this be effective all comes down to superb direction. I also appreciated Kayoko’s simplistic wardrobe of a red dress and shoes which added to her personality. In fact, much like in their other movies, the costume design within The Falling Star does not disappoint. The production design and costuming give the illusion that they were done so effortlessly, but I truly believe it is the work of meticulous movie magicians. Every item in the frame serves a purpose, much like the motions and gestures of their characters. Even the neon sign of the falling star above the door to the pub was exquisite. I live for details like this put onto celluloid.

The Falling Star won’t be for everyone, that’s for damn sure. Some may find it to be a bit too zany or nonsensical. For those of us that seek something off the beaten path, this is the type of picture we fall for.