Delicato dramma che ruota intorno alla figura di un ottimo Eddie Marsan che in maniera placidamente espressiva riesce a dare vita ad un personaggio tanto preciso ed ordinato quanto solo e dismesso rispetto alla socialità della vita. Solamente a tratti questa arrendevolezza sembra essere leggermente eccessiva verso le ingiustizie della vita e seppure la trama non offra uno sviluppo così importante; l'atmosfera che si viene a creare e l'empatia che viene provata verso le gesta del protagonista riescono da sole a tenere alta l'attenzione e l'interesse. Il finale scuote ancor di più lo spettatore con un colpo di scena che non si può definire totalmente inaspettato, almeno per i più cinici, ma che colpisce dritto al cuore ed incornicia un bel dramma diretto da Uberto Pasolini con buon livello e qualità rispetto ad un budget molto modesto.

Austere, with sincerity and humanity, carrying emotion at a low and constant level, this story is elevated by EM’s brilliant performance. He is cast as an almost stoic character whose quiet compassion breathes life into those whose lives have been lost, forgotten, and/or ignored. Dying intestate, these people are afforded a ‘Pauper’s Funeral’ thanks to his meticulous nature, and his efforts to instil human kindness and moral fortitude to a musty, maligned council department. It is an understated, misunderstood film if the reviews are to be believed, but I am so glad I sat and really watched it (no second or third screens(!)), as it is a truly poignant tale about finding life, even in death

I’m shocked at the low ratings on this film, it’s beautiful and touching with a first class performance by Eddie Marsan. Enhanced by a Rachel Portman score delivering those feelings of solitude and helplessness. Do yourself a favour and watch it, you can thank me later.

Eddie Marsan is one of my favorite British character actors & seldom has had a starring role but makes the most of it here. He plays a lonely but decent fellow with the unusual job of locating individuals related to or former friends of deceased persons who are not aware of their passing. An odd occupation & one that is being terminated despite the care that Mr. May (Eddie) gives to it. It's really all he has in his life but the last case introduces him to the estranged daughter of his final ˋcustomer‘ & a tender albeit non romantic friendship blossoms with affecting but not, IMO, overly sentimental results. The radiant Joanne Froggatt (memorable in DOWNTON ABBEY) has only a short role here as the daughter but contributes wonderfully to her scenes with Mr. May. She & Marsan interact beautifully together.

I always think the audience seem to know better than the so called critics. I guess it's not one to watch when you're feeling a bit down. But as always Marsan delivers a solid performance as the guy charged with finding the relatives of lonely people who have passed away. Not too dissimilar to the life he leads himself. He's supported well by a strong cast. There's nothing spectacular about it, it's just an ordinary story about an unordinary job, told really well. The ending was wonderful and caught me and my emotions a little by surprise.

What an absolute fantastic film. So true and gets you either laughing or crying. Brilliant actors and never expected the end.

Extraordinary. One of the most beautiful, mesmerizing films ever. Beautifully acted. It's subtle pace is surprisingly engaging. A hidden gem. Truly wonderful.

I watched this slow paced drama wondering where it was taking me. Quite clearly something a little different ,it was bemusing and intriguing. The little details on the film will be missed by those who talk over it or float off to make a cup a tea every 20 minutes. The time spent watching this film seemed like an investment, it's about switching your brain on not off as so many American movies require you to. Three quarters of the way through the film and I'm wondering what the upshot will be, will there even be one? I have to say the ending was a surprise and one of the saddest and most emotional endings I have seen, and if the last few minutes doesn't bring you to tears the final few seconds will. A very English film and if you can only watch characters in tight lycra then avoid.

Absolutely beautiful and poignant film - it may seem slow paced but almost every scene has very clear relevance which becomes evident as the film progresses. I popped it on to have something on whilst working and it entirely captivated me - I didn't get the work done intended. Just stunning, and speaks to many of us in some way I'm sure

Beautifully directed and superbly acted....what a wonderful film.

Much like its protagonist. Not bursting at the seems with resonant detail, self-aggrandizement, nor anything else. Instead: measured, minimalistic, unassuming, deliberate; in its very own way. And in this very specific way, ultimately very kind and very effective.

Que filme triste, lindamente triste, tenebroso de triste, cada metáfora sofrida, no fim ele encheu o velório do cliente Stoke, e o seu ficou só, somente o padre, entretanto com todas as almas que ele carinhosamente ajudou a preparar o funeral, dói, por ter um amigo assim, dói pela simplicidade lirica das cenas, e da construção do personagem e sua rotina milimétrica, sistemática, melancólica, em tons pasteis, detalhada, apaixonada com pesar...

From time to time I think about the tragedy of those that die without anyone that's loves them. This movie explores the life of a public servant who attempts the often futile tasks of tracking down the deceased's past connections

Still Life is a quiet, introspective film. So you need to be in a quiet introspective mood to appreciate it. You will be rewarded. The great Eddie Marsan plays John May, a British civil servant who has worked for 22 years closing out the affairs of people who have died without family or friends. Like a detective, he pores over the remnants of their lives--photo albums, old addresses, etc. If he can't find any family members, he writes eulogies for the departed and arranges their funerals---at which he is the only attendee. He even chooses the appropriate funeral music from his collection of CDs. Sounds morbid, but it isn't. It's a character study of a likeable, quiet man who is diligent about his work. He lives a lonely, Prufrock-type existence, taking sparse meals at his single-chair table in his small flat. When he is downsized out of his job due to government bureaucrats deciding he is no longer needed, he insists on completing his final case, seeking information about a single old man who died alone in his flat. He eventually finds the man's daughter......and I'll stop here. Suffice it to say, the story will hold your attention, and the totally unexpected ending will likely elicit a few tears. This is a perfect film in the sense that filmmaker Uberto Pasolini knows exactly what he wants, and he achieves it through beautiful cinematography and sound track music, and a tableau-like approach to many scenes. The camera lingers on a half-peeled apple and the shadow it casts, or a dog staring thoughtfully. It's like absorbing a painting. Pasolini has made a film about death that is about life. It moves slowly and deliberately. But it's unforgettable. And Marsan is amazing. Bring some tissues.

An exceptional film. Some have criticised Marsan for a flat, unemotional performance. But those who appreciate truly great acting will be moved by his subtle yet accurate articulation of empathy, loneliness, hope and self-discovery. Watch it carefully and you will want to watch it again and again and again.

Lovely film. Beautifully made. Eddie Marsan is brilliant. Wow, a movie with a great script and perfect ending! How did that happen? Oh right, it's not from Hollywood.

Eddie Marsan is brilliant. If you want to see the scale of his acting ability, check him out on American series 'Ray Donovan'.

It was a very good film, except for the fact that I'm pretty sure Kelly would have found out what happened.

Rare thoughtful homily on the modern isolation of the elderly/those on the fringes of society

I never watch movies but this one was interesting.