> Eden is West
3 stars (out of 5)
Director: Costa-Gavras
Cast: Riccardo Scamarcio, Juliane Köhler, Ulrich Tukur, Eric Caravaca, Odysseas Papaspiliopoulos, Gil Alma, Igor Raspopov
Rating: (M)
Using Homer's Odyssey as a narrative device, Eden is West is a rather curious film based on the grim reality of asylum-seekers.
From the opening scenes aboard a fetid boat ferrying human cargo, the hollow faces of desperation suggest any number of Holocaust films. So it is somewhat of a surprise when the modern-day Odysseus, Elias (Riccardo Scamarcio), evades the French coastguard only to surface in a scenario straight out of a Carry-On sketch.
Fortunately for Elias, his good looks enable him to blend in with the superficial residents of the coastal resort he finds himself in.
With just the faintest command of French, Elias manages to evade capture and hits the road with just the clothes he is wearing and a small amount of cash.
Greek director Costa-Gavras never discloses Elias' nationality. All we know is that his goal is to reach Paris and find work.
It is difficult to figure out quite what the message about economic migrants is.
Costa-Gavras seems to be saying the idealised view of the West is fraught with issues of basic humanity that transcend the economic benefits.
For all its mixed messages about illegal immigrants, Eden is West has interesting characters and locations, tiptoeing about farce to emerge as an entertaining road movie.
Best thing: The variety of colourful characters Elias meets along the way.
Worst thing: Realising the film risks trivialising the very real trauma of people-trafficking.
See it with: John Key and Keith Locke: should make for an interesting coffee afterwards.
- Mark Orton
