Watch A Screaming Man

In the heart of Chad, amidst its landscape and culture, Mahamat-Saleh Haroun gives us a story of personal sacrifice amid a society under significant societal pressure. The film, A Screaming Man, was released in 2010 and stars Youssouf Djaoro, Diouc Koma, and Emile Abossolo M'bo. The movie is set in the backdrop of civil war in Chad’s capital, N’djamena. Amidst the chaos, Adam, played by Youssouf Djaoro, is a retired swimming champion who works as a pool attendant in a hotel that is dealing with the effects of the war. His son, Abdel, played by Diouc Koma, is his assistant and wants to follow in his father’s footsteps, which Adam strongly disapproves of. Abdel also has a girlfriend, who he wants to marry as they plan to run away together.

The emotional heart of the story kicks off when the hotel’s new Chinese owner takes over, and the manager is ordered to fire the over-age staff. Adam is considered the oldest, and he is the one who is let go, and he is forced to live with his wife, daughter, son, daughter-in-law, and grandson, who are all looking towards him as a leader. These circumstances put Adam in a difficult position, trying to navigate the social and familial pressures he must deal with.

Adam’s desperation to provide for his family and maintain his self-respect leads him to make decisions that have significant repercussions. He unwisely chooses to sell his son Abdel’s cherished championship awards to maintain his own sense of pride and purpose, which ultimately leads to the film’s shattering climax.

A Screaming Man is a beautiful movie that features a considered exploration of the French-speaking African country’s political, social, and cultural issues. Mahamat-Saleh Haroun directed the film, and his considered and thoughtful directing style carries the film. He understands when to take his time to let scenes and emotions develop and when to speed up the pace to show the tension of scenes without making them feel rushed.

One of the most striking aspects of the film is its cinematography. The movie's images are carefully composed, capturing the unique visual beauty of Chad with affectionate care, despite the setting being the blood-soaked streets of the capital city. The varying shots mirror the tone of the film, progressing from cramped, claustrophobic framing to breezy and broad in the final scenes, exposing a new world of hope that lies ahead for the characters of the film.

Another incredible aspect of this film is the acting, which is restrained while providing enough skill and confidence that the emotions come across naturally. Youssouf Djaoro's moving performance as Adam truly reflects the rage, desperation, and hopelessness felt by the character. His expressions and body language communicate the depth of his emotions, and he captures the character’s oppressive sense of duty without ever going over the top.

Despite its transcendent moments, the film never elevates itself beyond its realness. A key theme is the complex bond between fathers and sons, and the film portrays this with a deft balance of tenderness and steely realism. Adam and Abdel's strained relationship is relatable to anyone who has felt the weight of familial expectations or generational differences.

In conclusion, A Screaming Man holds considerable impact and resonance, stemming from the filmmakers' unflinching commitment to the characters, setting, and themes explored within a highly socio-political landscape. Despite its local relevance, this is a film concerned with much broader human issues that are accessible to everyone. The film embodies the beauty of nuanced storytelling, and it is a must-watch for all those invested in the art of filmmaking.

A Screaming Man is a 2010 war movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7 and a MetaScore of 72.