Fish Tank provides a view into the life of 15-year-old Mia (Katie Jarvis), living in a British housing estate with her mother and younger sister. Her life is far from idyllic- she truants from school, is bored and lonely, and spends most of her time wandering around picking fights. There is no evidence of friends other than one that is dispatched in the opening of the film. Dancing is Mia’s sole interest, and she sneaks away to an empty apartment for her only moments of relaxation. Her home life is fairly grim, with no apparent father, a disinterested mother, antagonistic sister and no privacy. Her mother is young but worn looking, and Mia and her sister are viewed mostly as an inconvenience, and seem to have been unplanned accidents. One morning Conor (Michael Fassbender), her mother’s new boyfriend, appears in the kitchen and Mia is antagonistic, but fascinated. His presence dramatically changes the dynamics of the household and jolts Mia from her routine.
Despite her anti-social behaviour, Katie Jarvis makes Mia a compelling protagonist. She presents a tough façade- heavy eyeliner, big hoop earrings and tracksuits and is an expert at the sullen glare. Mia makes some frustrating decisions, some that seem like they may be catastrophic, but it is difficult to judge her as we learn more about her life. Her mother displays a cold self-centredness, and as a role model for mature decision-making leaves much to be desired. The film can be jarring- its not often you see a celluloid pre-teen sibling call her sister a c***face, or two pre-teen girls passing booze and a cigarette between them as they dissect reality TV. Andrea Arnold gives us a glimpse into the lives of girls like Mia, which is in stark contrast to middle class childhoods of stable families with bedtimes and rules. Mia’s family is definitely damaged, and we see them struggle to articulate affection for each other. Michael Fassbender is charismatic as Conor, even as his character is revealed.
Mia drives the film and keeps us interested, even as the film meanders a little and characters drop in and out of sight. Cliched set-ups are avoided, and we are kept curious wondering what will eventuate. Fish Tank covers some pretty grim territory but comes to a quietly hopeful end with some things left unresolved but an opportunity for change.
Directed and written by Andrea Arnold
Producer: Kees Kasander, Nick Laws
Director of Photography: Robbie Ryan
Editor: Nicolas Chaudeurge
Production Designer: Helen Scott
Costume Designer: Jane Petrie
CAST:
Katie Jarvis – Mia
Kierston Wareing – Joanne
Michael Fassbender – Connor
Rebecca Griffiths – Tyler
Harry Treadaway – Billy
Country of Origin: UK
Language: English
Running Time: 112 min Rating: MA
Release Date:
In cinemas March 11, 2010
