I haven't been watching transatlantic cinema’s novelties for a long time. All these everlasting Matrixes, The Pirates of the Caribbean and Harry Potters provoke nothing but irritation. My friends – admirers of Wim Wenders and Michelangelo Antonioni – trained me to the great pictures a long time ago. But this time I’d like to tell not about the great, but a simply good film that I haven't been able to put out of my mind for a month.
So imagine a hospital where two heroes meet - a fidgety 5-year-old girl with a broken collar bone and lively imagination and a disappointed stuntman bedridden after a serious trauma. He tells the girl an exciting story about magic adventures, love, duty and betrayal. The tragic outcome of the story is predetermined as well as his own fate. But what if the girl becomes not only a listener, but a co-author of this grand narration?
So imagine a hospital where two heroes meet - a fidgety 5-year-old girl with a broken collar bone and lively imagination and a disappointed stuntman bedridden after a serious trauma. He tells the girl an exciting story about magic adventures, love, duty and betrayal. The tragic outcome of the story is predetermined as well as his own fate. But what if the girl becomes not only a listener, but a co-author of this grand narration?
Tarsem Singh is not a beginner at cinematographic art. His first work – “The Cell” – could not become a masterpiece, but Tarsem proved that he is an expert at his trade. Bright, memorable shots may be his principal hobby and the only thing connecting these two movies.
“The Fall” was shot in 26 countries – from the Great Wall of China to Paris. During 2 hours you’ll be able to enjoy the Taj Mahal, the Pyramids of Giza, Charles Bridge in Prague, the Eiffel Tower. A very beautiful and well thought-out film shot by a person with a startling and imaginative mind. 
I don’t know what exactly this picture is about. Maybe it’s about an infinite despair and disintegrating sense of morality of a man having drawn near the verge of ruin. Maybe about strange friendship and a hope that two can find in it. And maybe this film is about a world – such world as a child sees it.
I don’t know what exactly this picture is about. Maybe it’s about an infinite despair and disintegrating sense of morality of a man having drawn near the verge of ruin. Maybe about strange friendship and a hope that two can find in it. And maybe this film is about a world – such world as a child sees it.
Of course, Tarsem is not ideal. Many people blame him for his work’s formalism, clumsy sentimentalism and prolonged narrative. But believe me, bright pictures will be stirring in your mind long after. Isn’t it a great cause to watch the movie? So go and participate in a strange tale – whether fiction or truth. Love it or hate it. There is no other way.
4 comments:
I'll check it out, great review.
For me, one of those films that is so visually astounding as to leave a lasting impression is "Pan's Labyrinth" from last year. I knew that it wasn't a fantastic movie, per se, but the imagery was so captivating. I couldn't get some of those shots out of my mind.
"Pan's Labyrinth" seems to be not the best example of this kind of story. It’s too cruel. And you have no choice but to realize it happened in reality.
“The Fall” is an online improvisation. The story is told by the stuntman: we see how his character develops through the plot of the story he tells. And fantasy scenes have a very significant connection to the characters and emotions… I should stop talking otherwise I’ll retell every scene of the film! Watch it (in USA it starts in March) and then we’ll discuss it.
This is true. Nonetheless, I'm left not with the cruelty of the film but with images, sounds (the woody creaking of the faun was amazing), and music (the main theme was as haunting as the images - a buddy of mine is actually doing a jazz take on it).
I'll certainly see it when it comes out!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-brc5EIGXw
Check it out!
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