By the Sea (2015)
adminBy the Sea is a 2015 romantic drama film written, directed, and produced by Angelina Jolie, who also stars alongside her then-husband, Brad Pitt. The movie is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and human frailty, set against the breathtaking Mediterranean landscapes of Malta.
The Setting and Cinematic Aesthetic
Set in the 1970s, By the Sea immerses viewers in the lives of a troubled American couple, Vanessa (Jolie), a former dancer, and Roland (Pitt), a writer struggling with creative and personal stagnation. They retreat to a secluded seaside hotel in Malta, ostensibly to reconnect and find inspiration. The film employs a minimalist narrative and relies heavily on its visual storytelling, leaning on the enchanting and melancholic mood of the Mediterranean setting to reflect the couple’s inner turmoil.
While much of the filming took place on Gozo, Malta’s sister island, specific scenes were shot on Comino, a tiny island renowned for its crystal-clear waters and dramatic cliffs. These stunning locations play a vital role in the film, symbolizing both the isolation and the allure of renewal.
Themes and Narrative Depth - By The Sea
The story revolves around the couple’s strained relationship, haunted by grief, resentment, and unspoken traumas. Vanessa and Roland’s interactions with a younger, carefree couple staying at the hotel, played by Mélanie Laurent and Melvil Poupaud, serve as a narrative counterpoint. Their budding romance and vitality contrast sharply with Vanessa and Roland’s tension-filled dynamic, pushing the older couple to confront their own insecurities and unresolved pain.
A key theme in By the Sea is communication—or the lack thereof. Both Vanessa and Roland harbor deep-seated issues they are unable or unwilling to discuss openly. Their emotional disconnection is mirrored in the film’s languid pacing and sparse dialogue, creating an atmosphere heavy with tension and unsaid words.
Visual and Stylistic Choices
Jolie deliberately styled the film to evoke European art cinema of the 1960s and 1970s, drawing inspiration from directors like Michelangelo Antonioni and Federico Fellini. The cinematography, by Christian Berger, uses natural lighting and muted tones to evoke a sense of melancholy. The use of wide, static shots emphasizes the vastness of the surroundings and the emotional distance between the characters.
The costumes and production design are also meticulous in capturing the 1970s aesthetic. Vanessa’s wardrobe, in particular, reflects her character’s emotional state, with flowing, elegant dresses that hint at her former life as a dancer and her current vulnerability. Roland’s more casual attire underscores his role as a man in search of inspiration, trying to mask his frustrations with alcohol and forced charm.
Character Study and Performances
Angelina Jolie delivers a subtle yet deeply expressive performance as Vanessa, a woman battling personal demons and struggling to find meaning in her life. Her portrayal captures the complexity of a person who is both fragile and manipulative, pushing away her husband while simultaneously clinging to him. Brad Pitt’s Roland, meanwhile, offers a counterbalance with his understated performance as a man trying to hold himself—and his marriage—together. His portrayal of Roland’s quiet desperation and attempts to reignite his creativity provide a grounded foil to Vanessa’s more volatile nature.
The supporting cast, particularly Mélanie Laurent and Melvil Poupaud, add depth to the narrative. Their characters serve as both a source of envy and reflection for Vanessa and Roland, highlighting the contrasting dynamics of love in its early stages versus a marriage weighed down by time and tragedy.
Reception and Criticism - By The Sea
Upon its release, By the Sea received mixed reviews from critics. While many praised the film’s cinematography, its thematic ambition, and the performances, others found its pacing too slow and its narrative too opaque. The film’s introspective tone and focus on mood over plot alienated some audiences but resonated with those who appreciated its meditative style.
Some critics also drew parallels between the fictional couple and Jolie and Pitt’s real-life relationship, which added an intriguing layer to the film’s reception. The movie was released shortly before the couple announced their divorce, leading to speculation about whether the film mirrored their own struggles.
The Role of the Maltese Islands - Malta / Gozo / Comino
The choice to film on Malta and its neighboring islands was not merely a logistical decision but a creative one. The serene yet rugged beauty of the Maltese coastline serves as a metaphor for the couple’s relationship: alluring but fraught with hidden dangers. Comino’s pristine Blue Lagoon, with its turquoise waters and secluded beaches, provides an almost surreal backdrop for scenes of quiet reflection and confrontation.
Malta’s film-friendly policies and rich history as a filming destination—having hosted productions like Gladiator and Game of Thrones—also made it an ideal location. The use of Gozo and Comino, in particular, lent the film a unique visual identity, enhancing its timeless, otherworldly feel.
Legacy and Reflection
By the Sea is not a conventional love story or even a typical drama. It is a deeply personal film for Jolie, who has spoken about how the project allowed her to explore themes of grief and healing. While its reception may not have been universally glowing, the film has earned a niche following for its raw emotionality, artistic ambition, and stunning visual aesthetic.
For viewers who appreciate contemplative cinema that prioritizes atmosphere and character over action, By the Sea offers a hauntingly beautiful experience. Its exploration of love, pain, and the possibility of redemption set against the mesmerizing Mediterranean coastline makes it a unique entry in Jolie and Pitt’s filmographies. The film stands as a testament to the power of cinema to explore the depths of human emotion and the complexities of relationships.
