To be or not to be... Alejandro González Iñárritu's "Survivor" is a very atmospheric movie. Those who expect to see a western or action are likely to be disappointed, although that’s enough in the movie.
There is no point in retelling the synopsis for the film - it has already been retold many times. On the screen unfolds a story full of Shakespearean passions, but still the main thing in this film is its special atmosphere. Everything is subordinated to the creation of this atmosphere - naturalism (sometimes excessive, as in Mel Gibson's Apocalypse), magnificent camera work, circular panoramas, impressive views of virgin nature, a lot of air. The soundtrack is completely woven into the atmosphere and seems one with what is happening on the screen. Add atmospheres
dreams and memories of the main character, and the quiet voice of his wife, whispering in Indian "... the wind cannot overcome a tree with strong roots". This idea of struggle and self-discovery permeates the film, constantly returning to the viewer with candid images of trees swaying in the wind. The slowness of the narrative fully gives the viewer the opportunity to feel this atmosphere, literally feel the severe wind of trials.
Of course, the film has plot inconsistencies, and actual flaws, and absolutely fantastic twists. But it is better to focus not on them, but on following the director who skillfully weaved symbols and clues into the fabric of the narrative.
For example, such as the pyramid of skulls - a direct reference to the "Apotheosis of war"
Vereshchagin. There are scenes that can be called quotes, although reinterpreted in relation to the plot of the film. For example, the scene of jumping from a cliff directly into the trees, which became a classic after the "Climb climber", is performed here in the Indian style. In the scene with the horse, there is a hint of the legend of Cesare Borgia, who was healed from poisoning in a similar way. The bear scene almost repeats the nine-minute scene with Monica Bellucci from the famous film Gaspar Noe, but with a different ending. The scene of revenge in its naturalism also resembles that of Gaspar Noe. And only the final phrase of the main character "...
retribution in the hands of the Lord..." refers us to the Monte-Christian "
I am only an instrument in the hands of the Lord", which fundamentally changes the meaning of this scene and sums up the film.
The main battle is not with external circumstances. The main battle is with yourself, with your inner demons, of which the film has shown enough. Greed, cowardice, lying, despair, pride. In fact, there are no “positive” characters. You can throw a stone at everyone, and everyone deals with their demons in their own way. Someone struggles, someone humbles, and someone purposefully cultivates his demons.
The role of the Indians in the film is also not as clear as it seems at first glance. No wonder they are assigned the function of the “punishing right hand”, and, more than once during the film. And in the gaze of the Indians riding horses past the main character at the very end of the film, something flashed
Bulgakov.
Acting is admirable – everyone is good in their place. Leonardo DiCaprio is great, although he got the most.
Tom Hardy reincarnated beyond recognition. However, his character is convincing in his development. Donal Gleason and Will Poulter play their characters no less convincingly. Actors of the second, third and subsequent plans do not seem to play at all, but simply live, or rather survive in the circumstances proposed. The acting task is complicated by the general lack of wording of what is happening. Actors should not explain, but show the emotions, thoughts and motives of their characters’ actions, as it was in the days of the Great Silent. The greater the weight and value of each spoken word.
Separately, I want to say that, given the conditions of shooting, it is impossible not to admire the work of the entire film crew.
So, the new film by Alejandro González Iñárritu turned out to be strong, tough, naturalistic, harsh and at the same time beautiful and deep.
7 out of 10
Original