J

akartans have many stories to share, from lifestyle to politics to romance.

Filmmaker Salman Aristo tries to pick up some realities from the corners of the capital city and infuses them to six stories he has written since 2007.

Salman, who penned Laskar Pelangi (Rainbow Troops) and co-wrote Ayat-ayat Cinta (Verses of Love) with screenwriter Ginatri S. Noer, made his debut as a director in 2010 with Jakarta Maghrib (Dusk in Jakarta), an anthology of daily chronicles from the city.

This year he returns with Jakarta Hati (Jakarta Hearts) another omnibus, which talks about predicaments of the urbanites.

“I tried to experiment by asking little questions, such as whether we have truly noticed the small things that happened everyday in the city. People will like it or hate it,” Salman said.

The movie, which was made with less than Rp 2 billion (US$208,000) of budget, was the opening film at the Balinale International Film Festival that was held in Kuta, Bali, from Oct. 22 to 28.

The first story, “Orang Lain” (The Others), is about a woman (played by Asmirandah) who tells a man (Surya Saputra) in a café that his wife has an affair with her boyfriend. The conversation grows to be more intimate until they have to make a decision for the relationship.

The story, shot in a café, a TransJakarta shelter and a hotel, uses minimal conversation and relies on the characters ability to express emotion through body language.

Asmirandah’s Barbie eyes, which she successfully uses in her soap operas, are put to good use in the film and give scenes the dramatic touch. On the other hand, Surya, despite having more acting experience, actually lacked in comparison when expressing passion and restlessness.

The second story, titled “Masih Ada” (Still Exist), tells about Marzuni (Slamet Rahardjo), a snobby middle age man who lives in a luxurious housing complex. Marzuni, a member of the House of Representatives, comes face-to-face with reality when he has to go to a meeting without his fancy car. He is confronted by a taxi driver who gets mad because of his arrogant behavior and a pickpocket who has to steal to live.

Slamet’s natural acting gives a smooth portrayal of an ignorant politician who often bursts out with long and
bureaucratic explanations that are meaningless. However, he manages to show another side to Marzuni, especially when he, at the same time holding a bag of money received from a corruption case, finds the living place of the pickpocket.

The dynamic between presenter Andhika Pratama and actor Roy Marten is tested in “Kabar Baik” (Good News). Andhika plays Bana, a young, tough police officer who unexpectedly reunites with his long lost father (Roy Marten).

Bana has to write the questioning dossier for his father, who is apprehended for allegedly masterminding a fraud case. Roy Marten, who smoothly portrays a wishy-washy father, is in contrast to Andhika, who you may mistake as only being the “beauty factor” in the film, but he turns out to play the part very well.

The conversations in the film create dramatic tension despite being shot in one location, a police precinct.

A tough day in a screenwriter’s life is pictured in the fourth story, which is titled “Hadiah” (Gift). Firman
(Dwi Sasono), is an idealistic but dreamy writer, with hardly any money in his pocket.

His best friend offers him a shortcut by persuading him to accept a film producer’s offer to write a horror movie. His dilemma is further developed when his only son asks him to buy a gift for his schoolmate.

Just like “Masih Ada”, “Hadiah” is shot with the background of an everyday life in Jakarta. Although the supporting artists in the story are not as strong as the ones in “Masih Ada” (which is supported by Didi Petet and Agus Kuncoro), Dwi manages to deliver his undying spirit as a writer.

The next movie, “Dalam Gelap” (In the Dark), tells about an awkward situation in the bedroom of a married couple who have black out in their area. Amidst their restlessness, they began to open up about their marital problems.

This movie is the most distinctive one in terms of lighting and camera position. It is shot from one corner and the camera does not move at all. The faces of the husband (Dion Wiyoko) and the wife (Agni Pratistha) are mostly hidden in the dark side. Interestingly, their movements and conversations portray their agitated minds and buried anger.

The chronicles are finished with “Darling Fatima”, a story about a cake seller (Shahnaz Haque) who sells cakes at
a dawn market and her rough conversation with her lover (Framly Nainggolan).

Although they seem to be involved in an intense argument, they actually talk about their relationship. Shahnaz plays an important role in the argument as she plays a very talkative woman. Her selective rude words become unique amusement in the movie, which is supported by senior actress Jajang C. Noer.

Verdict: The film provides a critical, yet lighthearted view into the minds of Jakartans and the many setbacks faced by residents in the capital city.