A Screaming Man 2011
Directed by
Mahamat-Saleh Haroun
Made by
Film Movement
Plot Summary
Adam, known as Champ and portrayed by Youssouf Djaoro, was once a celebrated swimming champion from Central Africa. Now serving as a pool attendant at an upscale hotel, his life takes an unexpected turn when Mrs. Wang, the hotel manager, demotes him to a gate security guard due to economic constraints. In a twist of fate, his son, Abdel, assumes the role of pool attendant.
Caught in the turmoil of impending war, the local chief exerts pressure on Adam to contribute financially to support Chad’s battle against rebel forces, reprimanding him for not participating in a recent cause meeting. Sharing a personal story, the chief reveals that he was compelled to send his own 17-year-old son to join the fight, presenting Adam with a daunting ultimatum—he has only three days to provide the requested funds.
In a desperate bid to reclaim his position, Adam makes a difficult decision by volunteering Abdel for the Chadian Ground Forces. Before long, soldiers arrive at their home and forcibly draft Abdel into the military. This act rekindles Adam’s role as the pool attendant he once was, but the familial burdens continue to weigh heavily on his heart.
Compounding the tragedy, a 17-year-old girl, who is Abdel’s pregnant girlfriend, comes knocking at Adam’s door. He welcomes her into their home and offers care in this tumultuous time. As the conflict escalates, the townspeople begin to flee, and Adam confides in his daughter-in-law about the moral quandary he’s faced, leading her to a breaking point.
Realizing the gravity of his decisions, Adam sets off on a poignant journey to the war zone. Riding his motorcycle with a sidecar, he is determined to bring Abdel home. Tragically, he discovers Abdel gravely injured, suffering wounds to his eye, neck, right arm, and abdomen. That night, seizing a moment of resolve, Adam decides to take Abdel from the hospital and place him in the sidecar for the journey back.
As they travel, Abdel expresses a heartfelt wish to swim in the river, a poignant reminder of the life he once lived. Tragically, as they arrive at the river, Abdel succumbs to his injuries. With a heavy heart, Adam gently floats his son’s lifeless body in the river, allowing the currents to carry him away, a final farewell to the boy who had once been full of dreams and promise.
Timeline
Adam's Career as a Champion
Adam, also known as Champ, was a renowned swimming champion from Central Africa. His past accolades reflect a time of great success and pride in his life.
Demotion at the Hotel
After facing economic challenges, Adam is demoted from his position as a pool attendant to a gate security guard by Mrs. Wang, the hotel manager. This dramatic change in his employment symbolizes the shift in his life's trajectory and the struggles he now faces.
Abdel Becomes Pool Attendant
In a twist of fate, Adam's son, Abdel, steps into the role of pool attendant after his father's demotion. This reversal of roles highlights the family's changing dynamics amidst their current hardships.
The Local Chief's Ultimatum
Amidst the escalating conflict, the local chief pressures Adam for financial support for the war against rebel forces, highlighting the dire reality of their situation. Adam learns he has only three days to gather the funds, intensifying his sense of urgency and helplessness.
Adam Volunteers Abdel
In a desperate move to reclaim his position and alleviate pressure from the chief, Adam makes the difficult decision to volunteer his son Abdel to the Chadian Ground Forces. This choice reflects the painful sacrifices Adam believes he must make for his family's survival.
Forcible Draft of Abdel
Soldiers arrive unexpectedly at Adam's home, forcefully drafting Abdel into the military. This moment underscores the harsh realities of war and the impact it has on families, shattering Adam's hopes for a different future.
Arrival of Abdel's Girlfriend
Abdel's pregnant girlfriend arrives at Adam's doorstep, seeking refuge and care during these tumultuous times. Adam’s compassion for her situation adds to the emotional strain he is already under as he juggles familial responsibilities.
Town Evacuations Begin
As the conflict escalates, residents begin fleeing the town, reflecting the pervasive fear and uncertainty in the community. Adam confides in his daughter-in-law, sharing the moral dilemma he faces regarding his decisions, which leads to her emotional breakdown.
Adam's Journey to the War Zone
In a poignant turn, Adam embarks on a mission to the war zone to find his son Abdel. Riding his motorcycle with a sidecar, he is determined to rescue him, symbolizing a father's love and the lengths he will go to.
Discovery of Abdel's Condition
When Adam locates Abdel, he is devastated to find his son gravely injured with multiple wounds. This moment of realization transforms Adam’s journey from hope to heart-wrenching despair as he confronts the harsh realities of war.
Taking Abdel from the Hospital
That night, determined to bring his son home, Adam decides to take Abdel from the hospital against medical advice. This choice emphasizes the bond between father and son but also underscores Adam's desperation in the face of overwhelming odds.
Abdel's Final Wish
As they travel back home, Abdel expresses his heartfelt desire to swim in the river, evoking memories of his brighter days as a swimmer. This poignant moment serves as a powerful reminder of the life he once cherished.
Abdel's Death
Upon reaching the river, tragedy strikes as Abdel succumbs to his injuries, shattering Adam’s world once again. This heartbreaking moment reflects the ultimate cost of war and the profound loss of a father for a son full of potential.
A Final Farewell
With deep sorrow, Adam tenderly places his son's lifeless body in the river, allowing the currents to carry him away. This act symbolizes a final goodbye and the letting go of dreams that will never be realized.
Characters
Champ (Adam)
Champ, once a revered swimming champion, now serves as a pool attendant whose life is turned upside down by war. As the pressure mounts to support his country, Adam's character grapples with feelings of helplessness and guilt. His journey is marked by both desperation to reclaim his former status and the poignant love for his son that drives his ultimate choices.
Abdel
Abdel is Adam's son, who reluctantly steps into the role of pool attendant after his father's demotion. His character embodies the hopes and dreams of youth, but his life takes a tragic turn as he is drawn into the violence of war. Abdel's poignant wish to swim in the river symbolizes his innocence and the life he wishes he could return to amidst overwhelming tragedy.
Setting
Time period
The film is set during a tumultuous period marked by civil conflict in Chad. This backdrop highlights the socio-political issues affecting the nation and the personal struggles of individuals caught in the web of war. Themes of duty and sacrifice emerge as characters navigate the pressures imposed by their surroundings.
Location
Central Africa, Chad
Central Africa, where the movie takes place, is known for its rich cultural heritage and diverse landscapes. Chad, in particular, is faced with the harsh realities of war and displacement, which deeply affect its communities and families. The stark contrast between the serene lifestyle Adam once knew as a champion swimmer and the turmoil of civil conflict showcases the region's struggles and resilience.
Themes
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Sacrifice
Sacrifice is a central theme in 'A Screaming Man,' as Adam faces heartbreaking decisions motivated by familial duty. He is forced to weigh his responsibilities to his son against his own desires and past glories. The film poignantly explores the lengths a parent will go to protect and support their family amidst chaos.
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Loss
The theme of loss permeates the narrative, particularly illustrated through Adam's relationship with his son, Abdel. The emotional toll of the war is felt significantly when Adam's choices lead to overwhelming grief. This theme captures the essence of despair faced by families in conflict zones and the enduring impact it has on their lives.
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Duty
The theme of duty is prevalent as characters navigate their responsibilities in a time of crisis. Adam feels an obligation to support Chad against the rebel forces, which leads to tragic consequences for his family. The persistent pull between personal desire and societal expectation creates a rich ground for exploring the complexities of human morality.
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