Never has a film felt like it was made just so its star
could win an Oscar for acting. Don’t get
me wrong, this is a good film but what’s at its heart is Leo. The very last moment seems to dare the
Academy to refuse him his first Oscar. Considering that this year seems kind of ho-hum for male performances, I
suspect Leonardo DiCaprio will win. But
as for the film itself, it’s a pretty simple story with the kind of remarkable
scope that only a director like Alejandro Inarritu and cinematographer Emmanuel
Lubezki can create, breath taking in its capture of the wild and in the rawness
of survival. If it weren’t for the
technical aspects of this film it might not be as regarded. It’s a revenge film and I don’t feel
like it really said anything about revenge or gave any new perspectives. Ultimately the aspect that didn’t work for
me is that it lacked story development.
Sure it jolts you into the story right away but when you have flash
backs, and a chance to really delve into Hugh Glass’ relationship with his son
and those he is tracking, you’re instead met with a vague dream. I also feel like Mr. DiCaprio might not have
been the best choice for this role. He
has the acting chops, certainly, but I never really believed he was a
father. Still the
camping-trip-caught-on-film is worth seeing because it is a beautifully made and Leo is very intense. (Yes, I
think he does a good job, I just don’t think a millionaire running around in the
freezing cold and using other method acting tricks automatically defines “greatness”
in acting.) You will be thrilled and
its cinematography will amaze you. Will
the ending satisfy you? That
depends. For me, not so much. Grade: B+
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