| Overall Grade: |
A |
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| Story: |
B+ |
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| Acting: |
A |
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| Direction: |
A |
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| Visuals: |
A+ |
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The Fall
by Caitlin (movies profile)
Jun 21, 2008
3
of
3 people found this review helpful
I was quite excited about seeing Tarsem's new film The Fall, as I was expecting to gorge myself on a visual feast. I was definitely sated! I found out about this film completely by accident while surfing the web one night and quickly hauled a couple of friends to go see it, as I feared the only theater in town showing it might not keep it long.
This film, like Tarsem's The Cell, is a visual extravaganza and a journey into the mind’s eye. The difference here is that instead of seeing into the mind of a serial killer, the audience gets a glimpse into the imagination of a five-year-old girl. There will undoubtedly be criticism of the director for his vanity as he indulges again in a work that worships imagery. However, what Tarsem puts on display for us is so stunning, lush, and intricate that he has my permission to whatever excessive endeavor he can commit himself to. It's like watching a surrealist painting come to life.
The title has double meaning as it is about our two main characters falling and injuring themselves, but it is also about the mind descending into darkness and despair. The plot is simplistic with a fairly tale quality. The story is set in 1915 Los Angeles in a sparsely populated hospital. Roy, a Hollywood stuntman, has been paralyzed from the waist down during a reckless stunt in the hopes of impressing the woman he loves (who doesn't share the same sentiment). The little girl, Alexandria, is an immigrant who works with her mother and sisters picking oranges and fell one day, breaking her arm. They are both confined to the hospital and Roy is also confined in his melancholy. When Alexandria spots Roy, she is curious about him and wanders up to introduce herself. The language is a tiny bit of a barrier, but they are taken with each other. Despite his need to crumble within himself, he finds her amusing; she is a spark in his gloom. He begins to tell her a tale of an evil ruler, the bandits who oppose him, a princess and far off lands. The girl ascribes the people she encounters daily, including Roy, to the characters in the story and she becomes enthralled. As Roy draws her deeper into the story and into his confidence, he hopes to persuade Alexandria to steal a bottle of morphine from the dispensary so that he can commit suicide.
The film's strength lies in its beautiful images, but there is also fantastic interplay between its two lead actors; Lee Pace, who portrays Roy and first time actress, Catinca Untaru, who portrays Alexandria. Untaru's performance is very refreshing; she is so expressive and pure, with a warming smile. It's a nice change from the "show-biz" cutesy kids that audiences are normally treated to. Pace also delivers a solid performance playing very well off of his costar.
If you hated The Cell, are not into the fantasy genre, or do not like films with a slower pace, then this is not the film for you. It was sad that only about eleven other people were in attendance because this film deserves to be seen. Those present did seem entranced by it and lingered in their seats as the credits rolled. It may sound clichéd, but it's evident that a lot of passion went into this film, and I, like Alexandria, found myself captivated. |
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