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Writer Syed Saad Farrukh has been inspired by the era of silent cinema and created a Charlie Chaplin-esq feel that exudes class. Farrukh also stars as the protagonist of the film, further capturing the nature of the forgotten genre with nostalgic flair.
From the beginning, the key role music plays in Elo is apparent. Every emotion, feeling and pulse is both mirrored and enhanced by the score. Farrukh’s performance and the music are entwined in a perfect mutualistic relationship. At first, we are drenched in hope. The optimism of the boy is infectious. It isn’t just the music and the acting, however, that creates such a depth of feeling but also the cinematography. Cinematographers Salik A. Chagani and Basharat Hussain perfectly complement the other components, adding a visual balance to the film that is nothing short of gorgeous.
As the boy sets about his day, the mannerisms of characters such as Mr Bean, Charlie Chaplin and Norman Wisdom are all cultivated and reborn into a new era. Director Syed Wajahat Ali commands all the different elements of production to reflect the hapless antics one may expect from a film inspired by the greats while also maintaining the message of never giving up.
As the boy’s day unravels faster and faster, the film suddenly takes a dramatic turn. How we cope with rejection is often something that can define our lives. However, such an important and complicated matter is rarely ever discussed, with the drive for success being all encompassing. With some brilliant examples of cinematography and drone use, the climax of the film of the film is as unexpected as it is inventive. Elo introduces a whole new field of emotions and provides commentary on success, failure and the fallibility of promises we are made when we enter the world. Despite change of direction, the film is never sardonic or mocking. The silent film genre is not used ironically to mock our hopes and dreams but rather adds another dimension of feeling. We are so emotionally invested in this character, and yet he has never spoken a word.
The attention to detail is evident in every fibre – from the graphics at the beginning of the film to the use of costume and props to the colourisation. Everything works together in brilliant harmony to create a wonderfully quirky film that is so much more than meets the eye. A musical, cinematographic and performative achievement.