LuckyWill"The New World" DVD Review
August 23rd 2006 00:32
Wow - this film is captivating.
Centred around the human experience in an unfamiliar climate the visuals are achingly beautiful, the musical score stirring and the story drifts a quiet poignancy. Set in the founding years of the English arrival to America - loosely based on historical fact – we watch the interaction of the natives and the colonizers in a land that’s lost to the imagination of how most see America nowadays.
Terrence Malick is the man behind 1998’s “The Thin Red Line”, the restrained twin to “Saving Private Ryan” of the same year. While the latter was more widely acclaimed probably due to it’s claustrophobic violent war scenes, The Thin Red Line was a more personal, introspective look at the individual soldier. Traditionally, Malick sets a very similar tone to “The New World”, complete with narrative speaking the thoughts of the characters. Still looks at the vibrant lushness of the countryside and silent, indiscriminate viewings of a culture in their habitat add to the feeling of authenticity and wonder of post-colonial America. Being a sucker for representations of native Americans in film, I was instantly fascinated and the directing and screenplay just add dimensions of depth shown throughout.
Supporting this tranquility was the score by James Horner, renowned composer to epics like Braveheart, Troy and Titanic. His music is becoming so influential and popular you can almost distinguish it from others these days. Supposedly the film was made around the music and at precise intervals it will drift in and out like the tide at moments during the film to give an extra level of atmosphere both tender and bittersweet.
Newcomer Q’Orianka steals the camera’s attention at every opportunity with her portrayal of “Pocahontas”, favoured girl of her tribe and object of attraction to lead Colin Farrell playing John Smith. Her innocence, beauty and fragility are something I can only think clichés of, but is stunning nevertheless. It’s here between these two actors that the film reaches it highest point and you’re wondering next when they will encounter again. Christian Bale also turns in a performance towards the second half and Australian Ben Mendelsohn gets some lines too.
Overall, I found the story, script and score all overwhelmed the acting save Q’Orianka’s, which is no objection in itself but odd when resources like Bale and Farrell aren’t used to full potential. Other objections are the pace which may bore viewers at points. Patience is required. Otherwise, this is highly recommended that will evoke strong emotions if you give it the time, because it is definitely worth it.
(1st image from www.amazon.com)
(2nd image from www.wikipedia.org)
Rating: 4 starz
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Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
A fantastic film to look at, The New World is a moving piece of celluloid.
Im a massive fan of Mallick's (BadLands) and every film he does is an event, almost instantly a moment in cinema history. He takes his time and it shows.
Got to pick up this DVD soon.
Comment by Justin
If you don't, well, you should. =D
Comment by jon
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Comment by DateGal
What would be your all time fav?
And why a blog on movies???
Comment by Justin
I couldn't release my all time favourties as it's too subjective to warrant putting on a reviewing site. Otherwise people will go "ohhh, so it's not like X enough for you?" or "How can I take you seriously now after you like so and so?" or "Your fav movies stink and so do you."
What's your all time favourite?
Why a blog on dating?