30 Mar 2016
Director: Uberto Pasolini
UK, Italy
2014
92 min
Eddie Marsan gives a wonderfully restrained and brilliant performance as he plays the unassuming and meticulous council worker John May in this poignant and beautifully observed film. For the past twenty two years, John May has worked tirelessly to locate the next of kin of those who have died alone in the South London area. Financial cutbacks within the Council mean that John is to face redundancy. In his final case, tracking down the family of his elderly neighbour, Billy Stoke, we follow May as he travels outside London to uncover a life of mischief, misadventure, love and regret. Through its subtle examination of loneliness, loss, community values and the human connection, Still Life is a surprisingly absorbing story of life and death.
Winner of Pasinetti Award, Best Film, Venice 2013