There are many, many films that contemplate and examine life and its nature: when we’re young and seemingly invincible, to when we’re old, frail and melancholy. Some of these films are sad, some are happy, most are bittersweet. The majority use some combination of philosophy, psychology, wealth, fame, ambiguity and hedonism to examine human life. The trick, I believe, in successfully pulling off such contemplation is to entertain alongside examining, in addition to not patronizing the audience. It’s easier said than done, but it’s where Youth succeeds, gleefully entertaining with comedy, character, eroticism and imagery together with its melancholy examination. Youth contains a large, unique cast of characters where even the smallest roles leave lasting impressions.
It doesn’t hurt having characters played by talented actors, especially its two elderly friends Fred (Michael Caine) and Mick (Harvey Keitel). Fred is a healthy old man, still desired by the public and royalty for his famous composing, yet is disinterested in creating anymore (even turning down writing memoirs). Mick, conversely, is a film director desiring to create his magnum opus, yet is considered by the public to be far from his prime. The two friends make for an engaging duo, balancing their discussions on youth and aging with wistful memories and witty banter. The actors also deliver impressive emotional acting, Keitel having a very powerful scene between himself and a long time co-working actress (Jane Fonda), and Caine giving an all-round exceptionally poignant performance.
The remaining cast consist of remarkably surreal individuals, such as an overweight soccer (football) player, a levitating monk, Miss Universe (who has a...ahem…very memorable scene), a Just Dance playing masseuse, and a young director who, at one point, dresses as Adolf Hitler. Youth contains impressive visuals, cinematography, and stylistic choices, in particular its dream sequences. Not everything makes sense (or at least I haven’t figured it out yet), but the scenes are captivating enough to entertain regardless. Even more so than its comedy, visuals and contemplation on human nature, Youth is obsessed with nudity, in particular female (though it has its fair share of full frontal males). The film acts like a horny teenager (fitting to its title), slipping in breasts and butts simply for the sake of gratuitous entertainment. Nonetheless, there’s a strange sense of grace to Youth’s nude showcasing, fitting well alongside its other peculiarities. Youth is a remarkable film that takes an overused concept and adds enough refreshing elements to make it enjoyable again. Its charming, witty, engaging, poignant, sexy, well-acted, visual eye candy, and works as a well-rounded examination of human nature.
