The Fall (Review)

fall_ver2Describing The Fall with mere words is pointless. This is film for the eyeballs, the synapses, the part of the brain that derives exhilaration through witnessing exquisite beauty and vivid colour. I look upon this film as a young child entering a theme park for the first time and struggling with trying to take all the exciting images in at once.

It’s slightly perturbing then, that while the plot of The Fall is a pleasant one, it is hardly revolutionary and if anything comes across as The Princess Bride with a better travel agent.

In a small Los Angeles hospital facility in the 1920s (?) American stuntman Roy (Lee Pace) lies prostrate in his metal bed, unable to move and fresh in the depressing knowledge that no-one seems able to do anything to change that status for the remainder of his life. Roy tries to put on a brave face, but is in constant and tremendous pain.

It takes an extremely negative person to not smile at a small child, and – even though he might have every right to be – Roy is not such a person. So when small precocious fellow patient Alexandria (hers seems a mere broken arm) arrives at his bedside full of questions and every child’s desire for acknowledgment, Roy fabricates a story on the fly to keep her amused, with an underlying motive that having a young, innocent young girl able to flit through the hospital without raising suspicion, he might be able to work the situation to his advantage.

It is in the story that the true wonder arrives.

Again the content is not so important. Roy’s story is a series of amazing images – each worth the proverbial thousand words. There are sumptuous and striking locations, all apparently 100% CGI free and as they really exist. The colours are vibrant and vivid, and the costumes and actors themselves all highly individual and original.

With the slightly dark subject matter intertwined with the fantasy, the film has much in common with Guillermo Del Toro’s Pan’s Labyrinth, though where that brilliant film enticed both the imagination and the eyeballs, this film is more limited once you discount the visual elements.

Visionary directors can be a stubborn bunch. They see things like no-one else so are therefore less inclined to listen to advice and constructive criticism. But as is the case with many directors, the work of ‘Tarsem’ (AKA Tarsem Singh) would benefit greatly with just a few tweaks to the formula. A script enhancement here, some judicious editing there, and he could have created some amazing work.

As it stands The Fall you will undoubtedly leave with several indelible images seared into your brain, but in all likelihood you won’t remember much else beyond the basic premise beyond a week or two.

Final Rating – 6.5 / 10. Some of the most aesthetically pleasing things in life aren’t necessarily practical or useful, that doesn’t make them any less beautiful.

About OGR

While I try to throw a joke or two into proceedings when I can all of the opinions presented in my reviews are genuine. I don't expect that all will agree with my thoughts at all times nor would it be any fun if you did, so don't be shy in telling me where you think I went wrong... and hopefully if you think I got it right for once. Don't be shy, half the fun is in the conversation after the movie.
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