With nominations for the looming IFTA and BAFTA Awards, and ahead of Nostalgie’s screening at Dublin International Film Festival, Naemi Victoria looks back at Kathryn Ferguson’s powerful short.
Nostalgie is one of those stories whose final note lingers. Director Kathryn Ferguson’s short film joins a popstar of yesteryear, Drew Lord Haig (Aidan Gillen). He’s on his travels to Belfast, where he hopes to restore his past fame, if only for a moment. When his art takes on a life of its own, nostalgic bubble of ‘80s pop stardom bursts.
As the title promises, Nostalgie hones in on the powerful hold of memory in everyday life. Soft pastels are wrapped in grainy texture and set the scene for Drew’s dive into his youth. Robbie Ryan’s cinematography indulges the viewer in the lure of rose-coloured glasses, but also ensures that we catch glimpses of reality beyond their rims. This rich setting inhabited by complex characters create an increasing sense of anticipation. This tension is further heightened by Drew’s self-centredness and his obliviousness to the foreboding atmosphere that envelops him.
With songs composed by Bastille frontman Dan Smith, the score recreates the pop appeal of an ‘80s smash hit with authenticity, illustrating how music can be a powerful instrument for remembering. Much like instruments, however, this film strikes a different chord depending on who hears it. The tension between artist and the reception of their work is a fascinating undercurrent, raising questions about authorship and the meaning of art. By juxtaposing the musician with their song, Nostalgie explores how unhealed wounds of the past continue to hurt in the present.
Aidan Gillen’s performance is captivating and brings a flawed truthfulness to the character of Drew. He might not be likeable, but he is certainly relatable. In his desperation to flee from the mundane realities of everyday life, he is immersed in this ‘80s revival of popular culture. For Drew, the appeal of this lies in the hopes of getting more out of life, albeit with a highly selective approach to history. As easy to read as an open book, his journey takes him through moments of excitement, vanity, disappointment and horror, driving the plot as it progresses to its grave conclusion.
Having directed Nothing Compares (2022), a captivating feature documentary debut about Sinéad O’Connor, director Kathryn Ferguson continues her mesmerising exploration of art, people and place. Nostalgie is a gripping story about music’s relation to lived experience and memory.
Nostalgie is BAFTA-nominated, IFTA-nominated and will screen as part of DIFF’s shorts programme.
Film Ireland Editor
