James McAvoy took a very unique approach to his performance in My Son.
During filming for director and co-writer Christian Carion’s remake of his own 2017 French film, McAvoy was the only member of the cast to not be given a script. Instead, the Scottish actor was provided with just a brief backstory of his character and then had to improvise his way through the film. McAvoy didn’t even know how the story would end.
'My Son'
Director: Christian Carion
Starring: James McAvoy, Claire Foy, Tom Cullen, Gary Lewis
Rating: 2/5
In My Son, McAvoy plays Edmond Murray, a Scot with a mysterious job abroad who is forced to return home when he learns his son Ethan, 7, has gone missing from a campsite. Back in the Scottish Highlands, Edmond comes face to face with his ex-wife Joan Richmond, portrayed by Golden Globe winner Claire Foy, as well as her new fiance Frank (Tom Cullen), and helpful Police Inspector Roy (Gary Lewis).
Ravaged by guilt because of his prolonged absence in his son’s life, Edmond takes increasingly drastic action to be reunited with Ethan, all while trying to figure out if there’s an ulterior reason to his mysterious disappearance.
Carion, who shot the original in the same manner with Guillaume Canet, took this approach to My Son because he wanted to inject real tension, suspense and surprise into the thriller genre. Unfortunately, rather than adding anything to My Son, keeping McAvoy in the dark proves to be more of a hindrance.
In fact, while watching the undeniably talented McAvoy flail around during scenes, I couldn’t help but recall Laurence Olivier’s legendary response to Dustin Hoffman’s method acting on the set of 1976’s Marathon Man. After being told that Hoffman had stayed up for three days because his character was supposed to have been awake for that long, Olivier nonchalantly replied, “My dear boy, why don’t you just try acting?”
You can’t help but wish they’d have just tried including McAvoy in the process, rather than using a gimmick that quickly becomes tiresome. Especially since, there’s actually a lot to admire about My Son.
Carion and his cinematographer Eric Dumont film the Scottish Highlands with a majesty and elegance that really allows the natural beauty of the area to shine on screen. At the same time, they also show a skill for creating suspense and atmosphere in simple and sparse settings. Laurent Perez Del Mar’s evocative score adds to the drama, too, giving My Son a rhythm that helps to paper over the cracks of its weak plot and reliance on exposition.
Then there’s the astounding Foy, who is utterly commanding as the despairing mother looking for her son. After immediately getting her character’s struggles and anguish across in a subtle yet still effective manner, Foy then showcases a fierce resolve and inspiring bravery the longer the movie goes on.
Foy is so striking as Joan, that her advantage over McAvoy just feels unfair. Even if he did have a script, it’s unlikely that he’d have been unable to match her portrayal. Instead, McAvoy has just two levels. Either he’s intensely listening and then quietly responding, or he’s exploding in anger and violence.
McAvoy’s innate magnetism saves him. However, all the tools were there for him to create a more fully realised portrayal of a desperate father. One that could have been really resonant and powerful. Instead, his limitations are emblematic of why My Son is ultimately too lightweight and simply-plotted to be anything more than intriguing.
'My Son' will be out in UAE cinemas on January 6
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UAE v Gibraltar
What: International friendly
When: 7pm kick off
Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
Admission: Free
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Types of bank fraud
1) Phishing
Fraudsters send an unsolicited email that appears to be from a financial institution or online retailer. The hoax email requests that you provide sensitive information, often by clicking on to a link leading to a fake website.
2) Smishing
The SMS equivalent of phishing. Fraudsters falsify the telephone number through “text spoofing,” so that it appears to be a genuine text from the bank.
3) Vishing
The telephone equivalent of phishing and smishing. Fraudsters may pose as bank staff, police or government officials. They may persuade the consumer to transfer money or divulge personal information.
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Fraudsters duplicate the SIM of your mobile number without your knowledge or authorisation, allowing them to conduct financial transactions with your bank.
5) Identity theft
Someone illegally obtains your confidential information, through various ways, such as theft of your wallet, bank and utility bill statements, computer intrusion and social networks.
6) Prize scams
Fraudsters claiming to be authorised representatives from well-known organisations (such as Etisalat, du, Dubai Shopping Festival, Expo2020, Lulu Hypermarket etc) contact victims to tell them they have won a cash prize and request them to share confidential banking details to transfer the prize money.
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Al Mrzab Restaurant
For the shrimp murabian and Kuwaiti options including Kuwaiti machboos with kebab and spicy sauce.
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TICKETS
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TICKETS
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'My Son'
Director: Christian Carion
Starring: James McAvoy, Claire Foy, Tom Cullen, Gary Lewis
Rating: 2/5
