Friday, March 11, 2011

The Way Back


Peter Weir is an iconic Aussie director who has made some incredibly brilliant films over the years. He does however take his time to choose projects.

In 2003 Peter made 'Master And Commander: The Far Side Of The World'. A film which I love so much. So I had really high expectations for this film. Sadly I was incredibly disappointed. Stories of people overcoming incredible odds to achieve an insurmountable goal are all well and good but they need to be made in an interesting way. You cannot just rely on the hardships of your characters to make things interesting. Nothing happens in this film except a group of men walking through harsh landscapes and starving. Nothing happens to them as they go on this incredible journey. They only meet one person along the way who travels with them for a while but other wise it's just these guys. I understand that they avoid trying to meet people because they have escaped from prison but they could have met some more people or had something happen to them. I don't think I have been so bored in a film in a long time. The fact that it was Peter Weir directing makes it even worse.

Because there is not much for these actors to do expect look gaunt and tired it means their performances reflect this. Jim Sturgess is not an actor I'm very impressed with. He does not bring much to the film her as his character is very cliched and ordinary. Ed Harris brings a certain presence like an older statesman. Colin Farrell has the only interesting character to work with.

A huge disappointment from one of the world's best directors. Very long and very boring.

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