Standings (2007)

Directed by: Mijke de Jong | 80 minutes | drama | Actors: Elsie de Brauw, Marcel Musters, Stijn Koomen, Jeroen Willems, Joan Nederlof, Jennifer St. Jago, Shireen Strooker

‘Betweenstand’ offers us a profound and intense insight into the lives of Roos (Elsie de Brauw) and Martin (Marcel Musters). They are divorced and have a son Isaac (Stijn Koomen). Isaac lives with his mother, but has completely withdrawn into his own life and can hardly leave his room. Roos and Martin still meet regularly. They have actually not yet processed their divorce, but ‘must’ ‘consult’ with each other about the problems of their son. During these conversations, all the old soreness of their relationship comes up again and again in all its intensity. They hardly listen to each other, their conversations are mainly one-sided speeches in which they try to convince the other of their own right.

These conversations were recorded close to the face with the camera and thus show in every vein and fiber the emotions that the person has in him at that moment. Those discussions between Roos and Martin are razor-sharp, they verbally taunt each other, one is even stronger verbally than the other. The dialogues are very clever but at the same time highly recognizable for everyone. Their inability to really talk to each other and about their son is evident right from the start.

Martin does not see the problem outlined by Roos at all and downplays everything. He thinks it is typical female whining from an ex-wife. In passing, of course, he would like to demonstrate his own superiority. Roos is also not indifferent in these conversations and goes into it firmly. Catching each other’s flies, not wanting to understand each other or destroying each other with debating tricks.

Emotions and sarcasm, it’s there in a magnificent way and the actors go into it with heart and soul. These emotions are further emphasized by the method of filming and editing. During the conversations, the camera has, as it were, crawled into their skin. Both individuals are alternately sympathetic and antipathetic, all their human frailties cleverly shown by the editing and sometimes switching arguments when the same conversation is suddenly played from the other person’s angle. Opposite this verbal violence by Roos and Martin is Isaac, who does not speak a word and has completely withdrawn.

Divorcing parents is becoming more and more common, but for the children it remains a drama. In the chaos of conflict, sadness and anger, children often get lost. Problems are often the result. Isaac’s silence and seclusion contrast enormously with his parents’ explosions of words and, in addition to this contrast, also provide a nice balance in the film. Can he free himself from this self-imposed isolation?

Mijke de Jong previously gained fame with ‘Heartbreaking’, ‘Broos’ ‘Excluded’ and the much acclaimed ‘Bluebird’. ‘Bluebird’ was also used in the context of tackling ‘bullying’ at school. ‘Intermediate position’ arose in a special way. The final film result is a sum in which the actors Marcel Musters and Elsie de Brauw, but also other opponents, have had an essential part, a kind of total project. A small occupation in quantity, but a high outcome in quality.

A film that can almost have a therapeutic effect for people with relationship difficulties, the analyzes made here are extremely recognizable and extremely credible. Razor-sharp, cynical and sarcastic, but also humorous, moving and intimate. A real pearl!