Lynn Larkin takes a look at Jump, which screened as part of the 11th Jameson Dublin International Film Festival (14-24 February 2013).
Jump opens with some beautiful, colourful shots of Derry, which are accompanied by the VO of our main character, Greta (Nichola Burley). She is battling deep depression surrounding her life due to the people closest to her. This black comedy tackles the very serious issue of suicide while maintaining the story’s entertainment factor.
The backdrop for Jump is Derry and it is New Year’s Eve. Just like the title, the story jumps and intertwines three stories throughout the film. Standing on top of the stunningly shot Derry Peace Bridge is ‘our’ Greta, deciding if she can muster up the courage to bungee off minus the cord, but with her makeshift wings in tow. Her concentration is distracted when her knight in torn and blood-stained armour shows up in the form of Pearse Kelly (Martin McCann). However, this damsel is in no mood to be rescued. The two exchange heated words to find they share a common interest: their hatred for local gangster Frank Feeney (Lalor Roddy), who just happens to be Greta’s father. The two set off into the night with a creative adventure in mind.
The film’s fast-paced tempo keeps you locked in the story from start to finish. Some of the secondary characters could have featured a little more. Good-time players Marie and Dara’s one-liners, and unusual scenarios the pair find themselves in throughout the course of the night, are hilarious. The passionate UK-born director, Kieron J. Walsh, spoke after the screening with a small Q&A. The inspiration for Jumpcame to him after he heard that someone he admired and looked up to mention that ‘A story always needs a beginning, middle and end. However, not exactly in that order.’
This really sums up what Walsh did with this movie, making it a fresh and pleasant watch. He spoke about why he chose Derry, not only for its beautifully magnetic Derry Peace Bridge, but since everyone in Derry dresses up in costume for all major events, not just at Halloween, it was the obvious choice. Jump is endearing and enchanting; words I did not think I would use to describe a dark comic crime thriller that tackles the topic of suicide… but there you go; life is full of surprises, just like the movie.
Take a leap of faith and Jump, it is a free-fall extravaganza.
Jump screened on 19th February at Light House cinema.
