Tropical Malady

Tropical Malady by Tony Rayns

Like Apichatpong Weerasethakul’s other films, Tropical Malady is a mechanism to channel thoughts and feelings that are hard to express in words – which means that trying to write about it is at best reckless and at worst stupid. As mechanisms go, it’s beautiful and seductive, and has many working parts. But we shouldn’t forget that the name of Khun Apichatpong’s production company is “Kick the Machine”.

Let’s start with the mystery of the title – or rather the titles, since there are several. The main Thai title is Sud Pralad, which means “Strange Creature” or “Monster”. It could fit the kind of horror movie that the Thai film industry used to produce in bulk in its heyday; the revived Thai film industry of the last decade has brought the genre back, so there are plenty of ‘monsters’ on Thai screens these days. The main English title, at least when you first hear it, has a hint of kitsch. Who sang the original “Tropical Melody”? Was it Maria Montez? Carmen Miranda? Dorothy Lamour? Whoever it may have been, there’s a touch of Myra Breckinridge in Apichatpong’s punning evocation of half forgotten Hollywood exotica. On the other hand, “Malady” has a faintly sinister ring to it. A malady is something that demands a cure, and both of Apichatpong’s parents were doctors.

But Tropical Malady is two films in one, and the second film opens with its own title and main cast credits. The second Thai title is Winyan, which means “Spirit”; the English title given in the subtitles is A Spirit’s Path. From strange creatures to something less tangible. Does this imply a distinction between body and spirit, between real and surreal, or between physical and metaphysical? Well, yes, all of the above, not to mention a distinction between stories as told and stories as they resonate in the mind. Apichatpong has a very pronounced interest in dualities.

Tony Rayns complete essay appears in the booklet that accompanies the DVD release.

Contents
Essay

A short excerpt from the booklet essay

DVD Reviews

DVD Beaver
Movie Mail
DVD Times
Sight & Sound
Guardian Guide
Pink Paper
Gay Times
QX's DVD of the Week

Film Reviews

(i) Sight & Sound
(ii) Talking Pix
(iii) Culture Wars
(iv) BBC
(v) Guardian
(vi) Channel 4

Connections

(i) Reverse Shot
(ii) Criticine
(iii) Time Out
(iv) Kick The Machine
(v) Guardian

Awards

2004 Cannes Film Festival / Winner Special Jury Prize

2004 São Paulo International Film Festival / Winner Critics Award

2004 BBC World Cinema Awards / Nominated Best Film




Disc Info

Tropical Malady Boxshot

Thailand 2004
Length / Main Feature: 114 minutes
Length / Special Features: 27 minutes
Sound: Original Dolby 2.0 Stereo /
Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround option
Colour
Original aspect ratio: 16:9 / 1.78:1
Language: Thai
Subtitles: English
PAL DVD9  R0
RRP: £12.99
Release Date: 11th August 2008
Second Run DVD 034

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