Jamaican film industry takes another firm step

Press, 4 June 1984, Page 4

Jamaican film industry takes another firm step

AT THE CINEMA

hans petrovic

COUNTRYMAN Directed by Dickie Jobson Screenplay byDickie Jobson and Michael Thomas “Countryman" (Midcity) is a film of surprisingly wide appeal, from reggae" audiences to “Footloose” followers, and beyond to anyone looking for cheery, colourful entertainment. Just like other recent successful films aimed at younger audiences, such as “Flashdance” and “Footloose,” this one has a very light story held together with bouncy music and an over-all cheerfulness. This time, the 22 songs are mainly reggae, by Bob Marley and the Wallers, and similar groups, and the colourful setting is Jamaica. The film’s philosophy is Rastafarian which, I am told, is based on harmony with nature: if you eat right, live right (smoke lots of pot) and believe in the right things, you can walk on water, talk to bees — that kind of thing.

The main character is Countryman, a Jamaican fisherman who lives so close to nature that he appears to be able to influence it, making lightning happen, catching fish by hand and even raising the dead.

There is always the thought that the magic he teases you with might be genuine; and, of course, the constant smoking of marijuana could help the illusion. Countryman rescues and hides two innocent young survivors of a plane crash who are being sought by the military for political reasons. Using wit, speed and his magical prowess, he returns them to safety, while we are treated to the colourful life of the West Indies, ranging from fun and frivolity to voodoo. There is more to the seemingly simple story than first meets the eye, for it is told in an understated fashion which make it seem to happen in a disjointed, dream-like way, while the viewer is sitting back enjoying the music and exotica. Visually, the film is put together with strong elements, fire, blue skies, sunsets and tropical blue lagoons. The interesting yellow back lighting for Countryman gives him an affinity with the sun; while scenes with the obeah man are lit with predominant blues, and another character has the background changing from blue to red. Countryman is based on,

and acted by, a Jamaican who actually goes by that name and life style. He had

already made a cameo appearance in another Jamai-can-made film, JimmyCliffs "The Harder They Come,” and it was Countryman who suggested making what he called "a bush movie" — a film in which he would appear as the central character. Like other little-known movies from unexpected places, like South Africa’s “The Gods Must Be Crazy," this is a small, enjoyable

film, and should prove a pleasant surprise to those who bother to discover it. "Countryman" and "The Harder they Come" are recent products of the burgeoning film industry of Jamaica. That country has all the necessary requirements (except, possibly, finance), and appears to be going about it in the right way to put them to good use.