Member Claire shares her interpretation of the film Boiling Frogs
As part of Clean Break's Film Festival 2024, we invited our Members to write about the films in our programme. A group of Members generously put themselves forward for the task, and have shared honest, heartfelt and insightful interpretations and reviews of the films.
Read Claire's interpretation of the film Boiling Frogs, from Cardboard Citizens More Than one Story series:
A captivating one woman performance that combines storytelling with humour and heart.
A story of resilience and recognition of the sacred, Boiling Frogs Covers themes of domestic abuse, homelessness and drug addiction. Set on a stage, full focus is always on the performer, played by Natasha Jean Sparkes, who ignited my intrigue.
On stage, the performer tells us about her childhood. A heartfelt story of a little girl finding her place and navigating life's obstacles and difficulties that you would never want a child to experience. I felt her strength, which was heightened by the fact the film is shot with only sound effects and lighting adding to what the performer gives.
I liked the use of the camera angles, and the light and music. However, I wondered about the decision to increase the music at certain points, as I did find it difficult to stay focused at those moments.
The performer is given the spotlight to tell her story and she does it with style. She made me laugh, gasp and cry, and despite her talking about shame, I never felt sorry for her. I felt sorry that there were no answers and that too many experience these dynamics. Too many children are too strong and have to sacrifice their homes, their bedrooms (described as ‘churches’ in the film) and their belongings.
The analogy of the boiling frogs, which it set up early in the film, cleverly gave me a metaphor to immediately resonate with. As the story is being told, I am reminded of how that would be. To feel so happy and content and suddenly, you need to get out. The terror and life saving immediacy of the situation.
Laying it all bare was the perfect way to tell this story.
The performer interspaces pulling the viewers in with her humour and ability to paint the picture, but she also looks you dead in the eye and shows you the true depth and vulnerability, which you may or may not have been ready for. In doing this, it shows the complexities of the realities for many families. What is going on behind closed doors, what's beneath the funny memories, dancing and smiling.
It's a story of hope that leaves you with reflections and inspirations. Giving voice to unheard stories. Having their moment. Taking up space
Natasha is a very gifted actress. She is not afraid to show her softness and pain, her performance gives so much to the viewers. She manages to tell stories of multiple characters like her little sister, mother, father and brother, while bringing in cultural references that provide connection and nostalgia.
The simple staging means the camera work really shines. The camera pans out to show the stage and Natasha is a small figure left alone but she looks mighty. Natasha’s expressive performance makes the close ups a treat for the viewers.
These stories need to be told, but I can’t help feeling ‘what can be done?’ I just need to look to this character on stage. Find the sacred, find the love, keep going.
