In recognition of Black History Month 2019, I wanted to review The Last Tree written and directed by Shola Amoo. A few weeks ago, York St. John Film and Media students were given the opportunity to see a free screening of the film put on by York City Screen.
Writer and Director Shola Amoo has created a picture-perfect drama. This is an emotional insight into the life of a British-Nigerian boy, growing up in rural Lincolnshire and the streets of London. The juxtaposition of setting as an upbringing helps to address the concept of subversion and how our society breeds cultural associations and stereotypes. Amoo has attempted to shatter the cultural stigma of teenagers in urban areas, and he has smashed it!
The premise of ‘Family Roots’ is at the heart of this film. Femi’s journey in finding himself and finding his place in the world is truly breath-taking. In the life of the film’s protagonist we see how Amoo subverts the traditional stereotypes of ‘youth’, and takes us on a journey to prove those preconceptions wrong. London – its grimy, dark and a playground for trouble. Amoo’s representation of London is highly significant in this film. The hard-hitting times of urban-city life certainly reflect in Femi’s character. When alone, Femi shows his vulnerability and mellow side, around his friends, he’s the master of wrongdoing. He commands the darkness that is in the air around him. The gang-like element to this film only adds to the character of London’s troubled inner city. Darkness breeds.
Amoo’s eye for detail does not go unnoticed. The film’s aesthetics do a powerfully symbolic job in their depiction of the lead character. As an audience member, we were positioned from the mind of the protagonists, being spectators to the conflicts of the narrative. The way the camera lingers on trees or on the council flat’s walls – environment and setting is everything. Femi becomes a product of his own environment and his actions are a product of his mindset. After Femi moves to London, camera positioning becomes really important; not only is Femi adapting to new life, but a new environment is changing his perspective.
The Last Tree is a refreshing approach to a protagonist’s journey. Shola Amoo is gaining momentum in the world of film. After premiering at Sundance in 2019, Amoo’s talent was recognised for its truly artistic design. Having watched The Last Tree, with a short introduction to film distribution and exhibition in the UK by Picturehouse Cinemas’ Audience Development Manager, Leah Byrne, our group came away with a greater understanding of the importance of supporting upcoming writers in such a saturated industry.
Grace Pheasey
(Second Year – Media Studies)