Submarine (2010): Alex Turner & Cast
Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the fantastic 2010 film, Submarine. If you're anything like me, you probably remember its quirky charm, unique coming-of-age story, and, of course, that killer soundtrack. And speaking of soundtracks, a certain Arctic Monkeys frontman, Alex Turner, played a pretty significant role in making this movie's music so memorable. But it wasn't just about the tunes; the cast of Submarine brought this peculiar world to life with some truly stellar performances. Let's get into it!
The Brilliant Cast Behind Submarine's Charm
When we talk about the cast of Submarine, we're really talking about a group of actors who perfectly embodied the awkwardness, humor, and underlying melancholy of adolescent life. At the heart of it all is Craig Roberts as Oliver Tate. Man, this guy is Oliver. He perfectly captures that blend of overthinking, misplaced confidence, and genuine vulnerability that makes Oliver such a relatable, albeit eccentric, character. Roberts' performance is nuanced; you see the gears turning in Oliver's head as he tries to navigate his first love, his parents' crumbling marriage, and his own identity. It's a masterclass in portraying teenage angst without making it whiny or annoying. He’s got this understated brilliance that really anchors the whole film. You can’t help but root for him, even when he’s making the most spectacularly poor decisions. His internal monologues, delivered with a deadpan wit, are pure gold, making you feel like you're right there inside his head, experiencing every awkward moment alongside him. The way he interacts with the other characters, particularly Jordana, is a perfect dance of adolescent fumbling and burgeoning passion. Roberts truly became Oliver Tate, and it’s a performance that deserved way more recognition than it got.
Then there's Yasmin Paige as Jordana Bevan, Oliver's enigmatic and equally quirky girlfriend. Paige brings a captivating intensity to Jordana. She's not your typical love interest; she's got her own set of issues, her own brand of defiance, and a way of looking at the world that mirrors Oliver’s intensity. Their relationship is the central engine of the film, and Paige makes Jordana a character you're drawn to, even when she’s pushing Oliver away or challenging him. She has this incredible screen presence; you can’t take your eyes off her. Her performance is a delicate balance of strength and fragility, and she makes Jordana’s complex emotions feel utterly authentic. The chemistry between Roberts and Paige is palpable, making their budding romance feel both exhilarating and terrifyingly real. They manage to convey so much with just a look or a shared silence, capturing the unspoken dynamics of young love. Paige’s portrayal is so vivid, you’ll find yourself thinking about Jordana long after the credits roll, pondering her motivations and her future, just as Oliver does.
Sally Hawkins and Richard Ayoade, stepping in as Oliver's parents, Jill and Graham, add another layer of brilliant dysfunction. Hawkins, known for her incredible range, plays Jill with a sort of bewildered resignation. She’s dealing with her own mid-life crisis and the impending separation from her husband, but she still maintains a fragile hope. Her performance is subtle but powerful, conveying a deep well of unspoken sadness and longing. You feel her struggle to hold things together, both for herself and for Oliver. It’s a testament to Hawkins' talent that she can convey so much emotional weight with such quiet dignity. Then there's Richard Ayoade, who I know many of you will recognize from The IT Crowd or his directorial work. As Graham, Oliver's father who has left the family for a former flame, he’s a character who is both pathetic and strangely compelling. Ayoade brings a wonderfully awkward and almost childlike quality to Graham, making his actions, while hurtful, understandable in their own misguided way. He’s not a villain; he’s just a deeply flawed human being, and Ayoade plays him with a perfect blend of awkwardness and earnestness. The scenes between Hawkins and Ayoade, even when they’re not directly interacting, hum with the tension of a marriage falling apart, and their individual performances are equally captivating. They really sell the idea that even adults are just trying to figure things out, often failing spectacularly.
And we can't forget Noah Taylor as Graham's rival, the eccentric Mr. Davey. Taylor, an actor who always brings a unique intensity to his roles, makes Mr. Davey a memorable, albeit brief, addition. He embodies a different kind of awkwardness, a sort of bohemian eccentricity that contrasts with Graham’s more subdued demeanor. His presence adds another layer of oddity to Oliver's already unusual world. Finally, there's the voice you hear, the music that is the soul of the film: Alex Turner. While not an on-screen cast member in the traditional sense, his contribution is monumental. The original songs he penned for Submarine, performed by his band The Last Shadow Puppets (or Alex Turner himself, depending on the track), perfectly capture the film's tone – wistful, a little melancholic, and brimming with youthful yearning. Tracks like "Hiding Tonight" and "Stuck on the Puzzle" are not just background music; they are integral to Oliver's emotional journey, acting as a soundtrack to his internal world. Turner’s lyrical prowess and distinctive vocal style infuse the film with an indie cool that has become synonymous with the movie itself. The collaboration between Turner's music and the visual storytelling is seamless, enhancing every scene and cementing Submarine's place as a cult classic. So, when we talk about the cast, it’s crucial to acknowledge Alex Turner’s indelible musical presence.
Alex Turner's Musical Masterpiece for Submarine
Okay, let's talk about Alex Turner and his incredible contribution to the cast of Submarine, specifically through its music. While he wasn't in front of the camera, his sonic fingerprints are all over this film, and honestly, it wouldn't be the same without his work. For those who aren't in the know, Alex Turner is the lead singer and guitarist of the legendary Arctic Monkeys, and he also heads up The Last Shadow Puppets. When director Richard Ayoade was making Submarine, he approached Turner to create an original score and songs for the movie. And boy, did Turner deliver! He wrote a collection of songs that perfectly encapsulate the mood and themes of the film – that blend of teenage awkwardness, burgeoning romance, existential dread, and a touch of youthful optimism. It’s a soundtrack that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable, much like the film itself. The songs aren't just tacked on; they are woven into the fabric of the narrative, acting as Oliver Tate’s internal monologue set to music.
Think about tracks like "Hiding Tonight" and "Stuck on the Puzzle." These songs, often featuring Turner’s distinctive vocal delivery and lyrical style, perfectly capture Oliver’s state of mind. "Stuck on the Puzzle," for example, with its slightly melancholic yet driving rhythm, mirrors Oliver’s relentless, albeit often misguided, efforts to understand love and life. The lyrics are introspective, full of the kind of observations a smart, overthinking teenager might make. It’s this kind of lyrical genius that makes Turner’s work so special. He has a knack for turning everyday experiences and complex emotions into poetic, catchy tunes. "Hiding Tonight" has this beautiful, almost ethereal quality that speaks to the vulnerability and quiet desperation Oliver often feels. It’s a song that feels intimate, like you’re sharing a secret with him.
Beyond these standout tracks, Turner also contributed instrumental pieces that further enhance the film's atmosphere. The overall soundscape he created is moody, atmospheric, and utterly fitting for the Welsh coastal setting and Oliver's introspective journey. It’s a departure from the high-octane rock anthems he’s known for with the Arctic Monkeys, showcasing his versatility as a songwriter. This project allowed Turner to explore a more subdued, reflective side of his musicality. It's a mature and nuanced collection that earned critical praise. The soundtrack itself became a bit of a cult favorite among fans, further cementing the film’s status. It’s a brilliant example of how music can elevate a film, making it more immersive and emotionally resonant. So, while the cast includes the actors who brought the characters to life, Alex Turner's musical contribution is an equally vital element of Submarine's enduring appeal. He didn't just provide songs; he provided the emotional core, the sonic identity, that makes this film so unforgettable. It’s a testament to his talent that he could step outside his usual band context and create something so perfectly tailored to the film’s unique vision. The way his music blends with the visuals is masterful, making you feel every ounce of Oliver's confusion, joy, and heartbreak. He truly captured the essence of being young and trying to make sense of it all.
The Enduring Legacy of Submarine and its Cast
It’s pretty amazing how a film like Submarine, with its unconventional storytelling and a cast that feels more like real people than movie characters, can leave such a lasting impression. Released in 2010, it quickly garnered a cult following, and a big part of that is down to the cast of Submarine and, of course, Alex Turner's iconic soundtrack. This isn't your typical Hollywood rom-com or teen drama; it's something much more real, much more raw. The performances are so authentic that you feel like you're peering into the lives of actual teenagers navigating the messy, confusing, and often hilarious terrain of adolescence. Craig Roberts as Oliver Tate is the perfect conduit for this authenticity. His portrayal is so lived-in, so nuanced, that you can't help but connect with his anxieties, his misguided attempts at romance, and his desperate need to understand the world around him. Yasmin Paige as Jordana is equally brilliant, providing a complex and compelling counterpart to Oliver. Their chemistry is electric, capturing the volatile and passionate nature of young love. Sally Hawkins and Richard Ayoade as Oliver's parents bring a profound sense of realism to the adult world within the film. They show that even grown-ups are just as lost, just as flawed, and just as human as the teenagers.
Richard Ayoade, who also directed this gem, crafted a film that feels both specific and universal. It taps into those universal feelings of alienation, the search for identity, and the longing for connection that so many of us experience during our formative years. The visual style is distinct, with a quirky, almost storybook aesthetic that complements the narrative's blend of humor and melancholy. The cinematography is gorgeous, capturing the bleak beauty of the Welsh coast and amplifying Oliver’s internal state. It’s a film that rewards repeat viewings, revealing new layers with each watch. The supporting cast, including Noah Taylor, adds further texture and depth, ensuring that every character, no matter how small their role, feels fully realized.
And then there's the music. Alex Turner’s original score is, frankly, a masterpiece. It’s not just background noise; it’s a character in itself, providing the emotional throughline for Oliver’s journey. The songs perfectly capture the film’s unique tone – a delicate balance of youthful yearning, existential dread, and dark humor. Tracks like "Stuck on the Puzzle" and "Hiding Tonight" have become anthems for a generation who felt understood by the film’s honest portrayal of awkward teenage years. Turner’s lyrics are poetic and insightful, mirroring Oliver’s own introspective nature. The soundtrack is so intrinsically linked to the film that it’s impossible to think of one without the other. It’s a testament to the power of collaboration when an artist like Turner can so perfectly translate the visual and emotional themes of a film into music.
Ultimately, Submarine endures because it’s honest. It doesn’t shy away from the awkwardness or the pain of growing up, but it also finds humor and beauty in it. The cast of Submarine delivered performances that were nuanced, authentic, and deeply human, making Oliver Tate and his world feel incredibly real. Coupled with Alex Turner’s perfectly crafted soundtrack, the film creates an unforgettable cinematic experience. It’s a movie that resonates with anyone who remembers what it was like to be young, confused, and trying to figure it all out. It’s a reminder that even in the midst of chaos and uncertainty, there’s a unique kind of beauty and even triumph to be found. It's a film that stays with you, a quirky little gem that shines brightly in the landscape of independent cinema. If you haven’t seen it, guys, you’re seriously missing out on a modern classic that perfectly blends heartfelt performances with a killer soundtrack.
