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The Revenant Review

What is happening recently in American Cinema and the Western? Tarantino brought out Django and The Hateful Eight, creating a glossy, stylized, vicious look at the Western, reminding us we truly do live in a better time.
Both nothing speaks more to the American and human spirit than the Western, pitting man against the elements in a land that doesn't love him, and people who just don't give a damn. Then again a lot of these people can't get a damn break.

Enter in visionary and hot handed director Alejandro G. Inarritu with his take on the Western, a tale about a fur trader named Hugh Glass. Needless to say, this movie is STUPID EPIC. STUPID.

Now I may not be the greatest authority on movies or the snobbiest of snobs, but the opening 20 minutes to this movie might be the best opening sequence to a movie since the opening of Saving Private Ryan.  I'm not speechless very often, but this was one of those moments. You will be in sheer awe of this sequence. If not, you probably think Transformers is a legitimate movie franchise.

As the movie continued I sat in the theatre with my adorable brother, blown away by the violence , the vastness of Emmanuel Lubezki's camera work and color, and the sheer grandeur of pure cinema. Mind you, this WHOLE FREAKING MOVIE was done in natural light. Natural light for an entire feature film? In the wilderness? Mission accomplished gentlemen. Every shot could be a painting.

Inarritu does not shy away from the violence of the West, showing us arrows piercing eyes, axes cutting off hands, animals being gutted. The visuals are like the men and the wilderness, there is nothing to hide, nothing is civilized.

There's also this bear.

Needless to say, I don't ever want to go into the woods alone. You shouldn't either.

Leo with minimal dialogue shines as usual, Tom Hardy proves yet again why he's one of the best actors of his generation, and the supporting cast all deliver from Tom down. Beautiful performances.

And if Leo doesn't win the Oscar this year, he never will. Then again Cary Grant never won, and neither did Charlie Chaplin. It's just an award. You're an icon Leo. You date models and make 20 million a movie. Who cares about an award. You've won at life!

The movie runs for 2 and a half hours, but it doesn't feel it. You never feel the dragging, you're always on the edge of your seat hoping Glass survives and gets his revenge.  He may or may not, but what a journey. What a journey.

If you have a queasy stomach and a 21st Century sense of patience, this isn't the movie for you. But if you settle in and are willing to take your eyes and mind on a ride, this is the movie for you.

The Revenant is a testament to Inarritu's vision and his determination, to make this film no matter the conditions, no matter the elements. I tip my cap to you sir. You're a mad genius.

Anyways, stop reading this review and go see The Revenant. NOW.









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