This week’s movie is The New World (2005).
The drama is about the first
English settlers, including John Smith, arriving in Virginia in the 17th
century, and their clash with the natives. It is also a love story between
Smith and Pocahontas, and later Pocahontas and John Rolfe. Directed and written
by Terrence
Malick, the film is more an emotional experience than a true narrative
piece (like all his films). I would also contend that it is not only his most
underrated work, but also one of his best films. From the stark reality that
the natives face with the arrival of the English and all that means to the
future of their civilization (poignantly shown in a scene in which
Opechancanough stares at a stain-glass window, realizing that his and his
people’s whole way of life is over) to the beautiful photography (the
juxtaposition between Virginia and London is quite striking). It is the first
collaboration between Malick and director of photography Emmanuel Lubezki, garnering some
of greatest work of the decade. The pair worked together so well that Lubezki
has shot and is shooting Malick’s next four films (The
Tree of Life, and the upcoming To the Wonder, Lawless and Knight of Cups). James Horner provides a great
score, and long-time Malick collaborator Jack Fisk provides excellent
production design. Malick’s cast is also very good with Colin Farrell, Q’orianka Kilcher and Christian Bale starring, and
support from Christopher Plummer,
August Schellenberg, Wes Studi, David Thewlis, and Yorick van Wageningen. Malick’s
film is powerful, exploring the wonder, beauty and naivety of the New World,
but also tragic and sad as the viewer sees both the birth of America and the
death of the native civilization. The romantic story is also well done.
Historically, John Smith’s story has been called into question, but the film is
not so much about the facts, rather the experience. It is a must-see for fans
of Malick and those looking for an engulfing emotional and visual experience.
Check out the trailer.
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