Foreign relations

Israeli expat drama Restlessis uneven but
redeemed by powerful performances

PREOCCUPIED TERRITORIES: Ran Danker

by MALCOLM FRASER

Israel, it hardly needs to be said, is a complicated place; a nation with an uncanny ability to get people on all sides of the political spectrum riled up, freaked out and pissed off. In that sense, Israeli director Amos Kollek’s Restless has a tragically appropriate hero. Moshe Ivgy stars as Moshe, a foul-mouthed, short-tempered and perpetually put-upon crank who left his wife and son in Israel 20 years ago to move to New York.

There, he ekes out a meagre living as a street vendor, and occasionally reads bitter poetic tirades at a bar in exchange for free drinks. Meanwhile, his son Tzach (Ran Danker) is a frustrated and tightly wound sniper in the Israeli army. When the mother of the family dies, the two estranged men’s destinies are set on a collision course. Meanwhile, Ivgy pursues a courtship with single mom Yolanda (Karen Young, memorable for a small role as an FBI agent on The Sopranos).

Moving back and forth between New York and the occupied territories, the film has the loose, schizophrenic feel typical of international co-productions (the film was financed jointly by Israeli and European funding—along with Telefilm and SODEC, despite having not a shred of Can-con, but I digress). The tone ranges from the political to the intensely personal, and from tragedy of classical proportions (with explicit parallels between Ivgy leaving his family and the abandonment of the righteous Israeli dream) to rank goofiness (e.g. Ivgy ranting about the Middle East as he furiously bangs a woman doggy-style). The dialogue (in Hebrew and English) accordingly veers between poetic and cornball.

The plot also has its issues, notably a charming but seriously underdeveloped supporting role by veteran character actress Phyllis Somerville. But these flaws are redeemed by the powerfully evoked themes and the performances by Danker, Young and especially Ivgy. Livid with self-hatred and impotent rage, but with a deeply hidden heart of gold, he reflects his national and personal suffering with profound eyes and a reluctant smile. His bravura performance tips the scales, making this uneven but poignant drama worth watching. n

RESTLESS OPENS FRIDAY, NOV. 21 AT
AMC AND EX-CENTRIS