Unraveling the Night: A Star's Existential Quest

The Hypnotic Charm of Tbilisi at Night

Georgian director Ana Urushadze's film "Supporting Role" casts a spell with its enchanting portrayal of Tbilisi's streets under the cloak of night. The narrative embarks on a fascinating journey alongside Niaz, a Georgian screen icon whose illustrious past now seems distant. Urushadze's sophomore feature resonates with the contemplative style of classic Jim Jarmusch works, weaving together themes of existential contemplation and unconventional conversations, all infused with a distinctively post-Soviet dark humor. The film's critical reception has been notable, earning both a Special Jury award and the FIPRESCI prize at Rotterdam, and subsequently featuring in Sarajevo's main competition.

A Star's Unexpected Audition

The film's compelling atmosphere is established from its initial moments. Niaz, portrayed by Dato Bakhtadze with remarkable gravitas, finds himself at an audition for an independent film helmed by Aza, an enigmatic female director. Accustomed to portraying formidable leading characters and collaborating with male directors in his Hollywood career, Niaz is taken aback by Aza's proposition: a poignant, single-scene part, devoid of a traditional script. Instead, she presents him with a hand-drawn storyboard, granting him three days to ponder the role. This unusual encounter propels Niaz into a profound period of self-discovery.

Wandering Through Memories and Encounters

Niaz's journey unfolds as he meanders through the quiet avenues and familiar locales of Tbilisi, reminiscent of a disoriented giant. His path is marked by a series of chance encounters with figures from his past, devoted admirers, and eccentric strangers. These interactions draw him into their lives and conveyances as swiftly as he retreats into his solitude. Highlights include a spa visit with an Armenian duo, reunions with former romantic partners—a distinguished makeup artist and a mysterious veiled actress—and an assembly of peers at the memorial service of a respected critic, whose posthumous work is revealed to be a comprehensive analysis of Niaz's career.

Artistic Vision and Dreamlike Immersion

Despite its extended duration of 139 minutes, the film maintains a compelling pace, preventing it from devolving into a mere trance-like experience. This length, however, facilitates a deep immersion into a dreamlike world, preventing Niaz's internal struggles from being overshadowed by melancholy. Sten Sheripov's jazz-infused, bass-heavy score skillfully underscores the film's nuanced romanticism. Urushadze's use of surrealism is commendably subtle, with elements like a unique herb and a window doodle recurring symbolically, enriching the narrative without overwhelming it. Aza, embodying Urushadze's own artistic perspective, champions the primacy of visuals over script, a philosophy echoed in the film's vivid color palette that illuminates Tbilisi's shadowy nights with bursts of turquoise, purple, and stark white against deep blue.

The Challenge of Reinvention

Niaz, often perceived as unkempt and crude, is frequently met with apprehension and astonishment by his peers, his once-bright stardom dimmed by what is implied to be his own missteps. The prospect of Aza's film, while triggering a sense of loss for his former career and identity, also compels him to envision a new chapter. It forces him to confront the necessity of transformation in a world increasingly less tolerant of the eccentricities associated with male genius. His growing fascination with this supporting role leads him on an arduous quest to understand the character, which demands a vulnerability and gentleness he has long suppressed. A tender reunion with his estranged son powerfully crystallizes the film's central themes, highlighting the porous boundary between performance and authentic experience, suggesting that the roles we embody can profoundly reshape us, a concept imbued with a hopeful resonance in Urushadze's narrative.