LAYERS ON CANVAS

The paintings in the film serve several purposes, both visually and thematically. I see Uncle Nam and his paintings as one character. They are inseparable. Only through the paintings, can his struggle be fully realized and understood. Unsettling images fashioned out of dark, ghastly colors symbolize a life-time of pain and sorrow.

The fish paintings reflect Linh’s feelings about herself. She, like a golden carp, floats alone in a dark abyss. Painting appears to be a form of therapy, as it has been for her Uncle Nam. Linh finds temporary refuge in projecting her feelings of hopelessness and alienation into her art.

Finally, the “layers of paint” described by Uncle Nam parallels the way Linh’s life and the family’s story unravels. On the surface, a painting conveys a particular mood or message. But look closer. It’s the previous layers and numerous failed attempts made by the artist that gives the painting its lasting impression. In First Morning, these hidden layers are stripped away, little by little, bringing the audience closer to an understanding of their current situation.

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