For a while now I have been knocking off watchlist films that critic Roger Ebert, one of my personal heroes, had listed as his favorite films. The list is found here on MUBI. It has been such a wonderful journey to rediscover the ones I loved already as well as find new movies to devour. One of life’s greatest gifts is discovering and recommending a wonderful movie to another.
Iris (Kari Outinen) is a bit of a wallflower. She works all day in a factory to come home and care for her parents (Elina Salo and Esko Nikkari) and their home. She attends dances but remains alone, spending her remaining free time in books.
One night she decides to go out, free of her shell and into society. She’s clad in a new, colorful dress that seems out of character but gains her the attention of Aarne (Vesa Vierikko) who mistakes her for a prostitute.
In the morning she’s left alone, money on the table. And soon after, she discovers she is pregnant.
Much like others in her life (including her disapproving parents) when she reaches out to Aarne she’s met with cruelty. Aarne leaves a note and money telling her to get “rid of it,” and after an accident, she loses the baby.
Her parents say she’s brought shame to their home and with that last straw, Iris is set on a path of revenge. Subtly displayed hardships turn over latent rage, and her retribution begins.
The title hints at the complacency and monotony of day to day life. It’s indistinct: a portrait of this woman who is being overlooked. She may start off as “The Match Factory Girl” silent (it’s nearly a silent film) and despondent, but by its haunting finale, Iris is screaming.
At only an hour and 10 minutes it’s a bare-bones and dispassionate tale, one that will sure to surprise you.
Sole writer/producer/director Aki Kaurismäki creates a realistic awkwardness that’s written into the script and brought to its potential with the talents of the cast. Excellent camera work frames the doldrums and the costume and color design enhance the plain and repetitive nature of her daily life.
A little bit of hope still resides in Iris at the start and by the end it is replaced with a bleak acceptance. The sought after revenge seems inevitable.
As someone who has worked in a factory setting, the mechanical nature of the work is captured perfectly, and sometimes that does bleed outside the job into your daily life.
The Match Factory Girl is a gripping portrayal of this and Kari Outinen is sensational in it. What she’s able to convey with her eyes and the sorrow that surrounds her is incredible.
This is a bleak and bitter entry, but the offbeat humor and deadpan delivery paired with a tragic underpinning, make it unique. I really look forward to discovering more of Aki Kaurismäki’s filmography.
The Match Factory Girl is a carefully curated picture with a stark and delightfully sharp edge.
The Match Factory Girl is currently streaming on the Criterion Channel.
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