I know what you're thinking... why would I want to see a movie that looks like a remake of 300? That's how it was marketed to the masses, but I'm here to tell you that it was an unique masterpiece to behold. The visual spectacle more than made up for any holes in the script. Every frame is a work of artistic brilliance that conveys an immaculate attention to detail. The trailer doesn't even begin to do the film justice.
Director Tarsem Singh has a visual style that is all his own. The world was introduced to his awe-inspiring creativity over a decade ago in The Cell, where Jennifer Lopez was allowed to enter into the ornate dreams of a sadistic serial killer. Despite the rare combination of critical and box office success, Tarsem mysteriously disappeared from the public eye for years. In actuality, he was tirelessly working on a passion project. One that spanned the globe, filming on location in seventeen different countries without financial backing.
The Fall was initially screened to festival audiences in 2006, but two more years past before a studio bought the rights to distribute it to select cities. Those lucky enough to see it were treated to extraordinary visuals and an existential storyline that resulted in a blissful experience. The cinematography was unlike anything I'd ever seen.
Fast forward another three years, and I'd almost forgotten about him all over again. With only two movies to his credit, he wasn't necessarily established. When I saw his name attached to The Immortals though, I suddenly realized the unlimited potential this new movie must possess.
There was hardly a dull moment throughout its seventy minute running time. The stylized gore and violence was impeccably shot with plenty of dazzling slow motion. The elaborate costume design was remarkable, as it was in his previous work.
You may still think you've seen it all before, but this isn't another rehash of Greek mythology. While it is comparable to what Zack Snyder accomplished five years prior, this movie has its own merits that sets it apart in the end. There was some homo-eroticism, but that takes nothing away from overall enjoyment. I didn't understand that complaint about 300. Stephen Dorff seemed a little too pleased with his physique however. Despite being shirtless most of the time too, Mickey Rourke was an exceptional antagonist. Henry Caville's passable performance was overshadowed by the visuals to be honest.
Suffice it to say, I was highly impressed with what I saw. So much so that I look forward to seeing it again in the near future. Luckily, Tarsem fans only have to wait a few more months until his next film is released. Mirror, Mirror is an epic retelling of the Snow White story. The way the Grimm Brothers intended for it to be told. Until then... SEE IMMORTALS!
