Headshot (2011 film)

Headshot
English-language release poster
Directed by Pen-Ek Ratanaruang
Screenplay by Pen-Ek Ratanaruang
Based on Rain Falling Up the Sky
by Win Lyovarin
Produced by Raymond Phathanavirangoon
Pawas Sawatchaiyamet
Starring Nopachai Jayanama
Sirin Horwang
Chanokporn Sayoungkul
Apisit Opasaimlikit
Cinematography Chankit Chamnivikaipong
Edited by Patamanadda Yukol
Music by Vichaya Vatanasapt
Release date
  • September 11, 2011 (TIFF)
Running time
105 minutes
Country Thailand
Language Thai

Headshot (Thai: ฝนตกขึ้นฟ้า), is a 2011 Thai crime thriller film written and directed by Pen-Ek Ratanaruang. Based on the novel Rain Falling Up the Sky by Win Lyovarin, the film stars Nopachai Chaiyanam, Sirin Horwang, Chanokporn Sayoungkul, and Apisit Opasaimlikit.

Headshot premiered at the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival and was later screened at the 2012 San Diego Asian Film Festival Spring Showcase, as well as the 2012 Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival. The film was selected as the Thai entry for the Best Foreign Language Oscar at the 85th Academy Awards, but did not make the final shortlist.

Premise

A cop-turned-hitman is struck in the head by a bullet, inverting his vision and causing him to see the world upside down.

Cast

  • Nopachai Chaiyanam as Tul (as Nopporn Chaiyanam)
  • Sirin Horwang as Rin
  • Chanokporn Sayoungkul as Joy / Tiwa
  • Apisit Opasaimlikit as Torpong
  • Kiat Punpiputt as Dr. Suang (as Krerkkiat Punpiputt)
  • Theeradanai Suwannahom as Tin

Reception

Rob Nelson of Variety called the film "convoluted" and referred to "the upside-down point-of-view shots" as "gimmicky", and wrote that "the pic's pleasures remain almost solely in the cinematographic realm." Marc Savlov of The Austin Chronicle called the film "gorgeous to look at" and praised it for "[reinventing] the standard noir tropes", though he indicated a preference for Last Life in the Universe, a previous effort by director Ratanaruang.

See also