All Secrets Released

(short review-just plot):

 Successful debut of ‘All Secrets”by Thomas Wotan Suski
Thomas Wotan Suski-Edinburgh 2007; 65min, music: Ralph Zarmüle;
Shakti Edwards, Ali de Souza

Maria(Shakti Edwards) is looking after her elder, terminally ill mum who is stuck to bed and all she needs is morpheme, more and more every day, to smooth her pain. Maria is feeling depressed and helpless for there is not much she can do. Left on her own with her problem she decides to call a suicide helpline to get some help and support. But she dials the wrong number and instead she gets through to Black( Ali de Souza)-an eccentric painter who is living in solitude at the seaside…..and that is how their unusual story begins…..

(long review):

 ‘All Secrets’ released !-a debut of a young Polish filmmaker, Thomas Wotan Suski

‘All Secrets’-impossibly brilliant film presenting the growing emotion between two people who by accident met ‘on the phone’-not a very common way of striking up a friendship, not to say love. Surely, most of us experience it individually and in different way …but when we find somebody we want to spend the rest of our life with, does it mean we should give up all our secrets then, and share them with that person…?

Following the plot, the audience do not have to pick their brains in order to understand the movie as the scenes are very well-organized, move up chronologically and smoothly touching humans’ hearts, minds and souls. There might be a clear division into: introduction, the main plot, continuation and the open ending so the audience just cannot get lost and confused. The plot is simple and common but interesting and easy to follow at the same time. What is more, this is just this ’simplicity’ presented in a unique and unusual way that makes the film so special. Also, it keeps us in suspense till the very end, and even then leaves our imagination open. Additionally, all the small details and symbols enrich the movie and create an united and complete picture of the whole story, which is as following:

Maria(Shakti Edwards)is looking after her dying mother. With nobody’s support she struggles with her problem on her own as long as she can. Sad and depressed Maria decides to call ‘suicide helpline’ for help but accidentally she dials a wrong number and Black (Ali de Souza) answers. He turns out to be a painter who is living lonely in a beautiful villa at the seaside. Coincidently, they start conversation and at the same time profound emotions between them begin sparkling….

Maria and Black’s relationship develops ‘on the phone’. Clearly, that is language –or rather successful communication-that is so magnetic and draws them towards each other. Oddly enough, they are falling in love with their voices, not even knowing theirs physical appearance (well…that is questionable in this case…see the movie)- which frequently seems to be the case in reality . ‘Talk’- often forgotten skill nowadays, not valued so much anymore at present. In the film we discover its power and strength again.
Also, together with Maria we are waiting for the moment of their first meeting; she would like to name the voice she knows so well, to give it the owner…but…is it going to happen? What about Black, does he have a secret that forces him to shun people or is it his own choice..?

Tom is taking us into the real-life world filled with emotions, problems, and concerns we have to deal with every day at one time or another. I am sure everybody can identify themselves a bit with the main characters.

The story unfolded in the movie takes its origins in ‘Black Oceans’ by Dukaj- Wotan’s favorite famous sci-fi Polish writer- whose book was inspiration for the young director.
He mostly concentrated on the simple feeling between two people and the need of being listened to, understood, not mentioning loved…Thomas unraveled the long process of forging a special emotional bond between people basing on the common understanding as a priority- phenomenon so uncommon in our contemporary world. That is why Maria and her boyfriend James (Elek Kish) are not compatible couple; their minds just differ. Consequently, when there is no communication there is no bond, cannot be a good relationship then; seems so easy,… but so hard to achieve. Obviously, the simplest things are the most difficult to get .Paradox of life.

‘All Secrets’ is a unique treat to watch captivating from the outset. Thomas seems to’ be born’ with video camera, can easily grasp the moment in pictures with a masterly precision. With meager budget and a handful of debutant actors and actresses, Wotan created a very good film. Professional, thought-provoking and engrossing; exercises our imagination and fuels up curiosity, leaves the ending open for our individual interpretation and at the same time makes us waiting for another part…., shall we?