Film of Isolation, Depression Inconclusive

Kenneth Lonergan’s new film, Manchester by the Sea,  is a modern depiction of a man isolated by his emotional pain.

The plot revolves around the disheveled, silent Lee Chandler, played by Casey Affleck. Lee Chandler is called to Manchester from Quincy to take care of his dead brother’s son, Patrick, played by Lucas Hedges. It is not the typical “journey of self-discovery” film.

As a character, Lee has his host of problems, including drinking and aggression that seem to perpetuate his depression. However, as the story unfolds, the film transitions to flashbacks of Lee’s former life. The flashbacks begin as soon as Lee receives the notice of his brother’s death. Other flashbacks include Lee’s recollections of boating with his brother, played by Kyle Chandler, and Patrick by the fishing village Manchester-by-the-Sea on Cape Ann.

As Lee continues his stay in town and runs into former friends, the frequency of flashbacks increase. These scenes offer a window into Lee’s terrible memories. Some shots may seem sparse for content or dialogue, but each add to the film’s masterful portrayal of day-to-day life.

The interactions between characters seem unscripted, with stiff conversations, painful silences and bouts of humor. While Lee struggles to make small talk, his nephew Patrick cracks jokes.

Many of the characters share history, but each reacts differently to the tragedies that occur. Lee’s ex wife Randi, played by actress Michelle Williams, chooses to remarry and have a child. Patrick’s mother, a recovering alcoholic, alternately pulls herself together and falls apart again. Their behavior contrasts Lee’s, as he seems unable to escape from depression.

While it may be clear that Lee is affected by the circumstances of his life, he refuses to talk about it and channels his pain into breaking windows and noses. During one heart-wrenching scene, he tells Patrick that he “can’t beat it” and will not be a good father to Patrick. It is unclear whether Lee is saying he cannot remain in Manchester or he cannot beat his depression but both are bleak conclusions. He simply continues living with the ghosts of his past haunting him.

The ending of the film is inconclusive. It is often assumed that when terrible things happen in people’s lives, they eventually pull themselves back up again. Manchester by the Sea simply stops.

Long scenic shots of snow covered landscape seem to capture the realistic beauty of the Northeast in winter. Production designer Ruth De Jong was reported to have researched the towns of Cape Ann in Massachusetts where the entire movie was filmed. The accuracy of setting, from the boat to the suburbs show the flaws within the community.

The music is intentionally minimal, meaning that long stretches of the movie go without a soundtrack and the only background noises are wind or waves.

Overall, movie seems real. Actors don’t wear heavy make up, the winter is bitterly cold and the story carries measures of good and bad. Each characters’ journey continues.