A blind spatial-orientation instructor at a Portugal-based international clinic takes a female patient for an eventful walk in “Imagine,” a mostly English-language feature from Polish director Andrzej Jakimowski (“Tricks”). Beautifully assembled pic, shot in warmly lit widescreen and with a vibrant score, looks at the different options available to help blind people live their lives as fully and independently as possible, even if not all methods are without risk. Though perhaps a technical eye-opener for sighted auds, the film has too little dramatic momentum to expect much of a future beyond fests.
Ian (Bradley Cooper lookalike Edward Hogg, charismatic) teaches at an institution for the visually impaired in a Lisbon monastery, where his unusual methods make him something of a maverick; a perambulation with a shy German woman (Alexandra Maria Lara, OK) suggests he’s practically a miracle worker. Though subsequent events cast doubt on Ian’s abilities and techniques, Jakimowski fails to infuse the ambling story with enough suspense, character insight or drama to continuously engage. Overhead and high-angle shots give a good sense of space, with exemplary soundwork stressing the importance of noise for blind people. Score reps another plus.
