Saturday, January 9, 2016

Movie Review ... The Danish Girl



Biographical films work best if its subject provides interest.  Whether about someone or an event, on-screen writers have to craft a compelling narrative from sometimes mundane sources.  ‘The Danish Girl’ fits the bill in generating attention.  Loosely based on the life of one of the world’s first transgendered person, ‘The Danish Girl’ offers an intriguing examination of identity.  Aided by a strong cast, this film based on David Ebershoff’s book succeeds in informing in an interesting way.
 
In the 1920’s, artist Gerda (Alicia Vikander) asks her husband Einar (Eddie Redmayne) to stand in for a female model.  Becoming increasingly popular as a result, Gerda asks Einar to continue modelling for her.  Soon he develops an attraction to the female form and eventually decides to live as a woman.  Wanting gender re-assignment surgery, Einar’s outlook proves ground-breaking.  Gradually Gerda and Einar fight the myriad of changes this brings as their marriage rapidly unwinds.
 
One of the best aspects of ‘The Danish Girl’ is the startling cinematography.  Each shot is lovingly rendered to tease out the period in which the film is set.  Mentioning the scenery first isn’t a slight against the rest of the film as ‘The Danish Girl’ is a high quality production.  Whilst certain liberties may have been taken with the true-life tale, there is enough to become fully immersed in Einar’s plight.  Feeling trapped inside a man’s body, his gradual transformation into a woman is believable and interesting.
 
His relationship with his wife provides most of the drama, although Einar’s dealings with the attitudes of the era also engage.  Still shaped in a Victorian mind-set, the society of the day was another barrier to Einar’s wishes.  The emotional and physical pain he endures is made worse by these constant road-blocks.  Tom Hooper’s sympathetic direction offers the character’s viewpoints well as they attempt to deal with previously un-heard of issues.
 
‘The Danish Girl’ is an expertly handled movie dealing with a myriad of issues.  Redmayne’s and Vikander’s excellent performances aid in highlighting how the burden of ignorance transcends all ages with education the key in understanding complex subjects. 


 
Movie Review Rating out of 10:  8
Movie Review by Patrick Moore
Agree with Patrick's Movie Review? Then please use the comment box.
Patrick Moore's Movie Review is an alternative look at movie releases in Australia. 
 
 
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Movie Review ... The Revenant

 
Survival stories are often compelling.  The ‘how and will they?’ survive angle has entranced audiences for decades.  Movies seemingly were invented for such tales as they run the gamut of joy, despair, anger and grief.  Mixing these into a potent cocktail is ‘The Revenant’.  Based on true events, it’s a vengeance-fuelled story captivating from its first frame.  Making full use of its stark surrounds, ‘The Revenant’ proves the ‘survival of the fittest’ motif refers to the physical and mental challenges that its protagonist determinedly overcomes.
 
After being attacked by a bear, explorer Hugh Glass (Leonardo DiCaprio) relies on his friend’s help.  A member of a hunting team in the 1820’s, his trek into the snowy wilds has reached a nasty impasse. Made harder by the betrayal of colleague John Fitzgerald (Tom Hardy), who leaves him for dead, Glass struggles to stay alive.  Although his quest for survival is fraught with peril, Glass is determined to defy the odds as he sets his eyes on revenge.
 
Although Leonardo DiCaprio is billed as the star of ‘The Revenant’, its true appeal lies in the cinematography.  Director Alejandro G. Inarritu completely embraces the harsh landscape in which Glass finds himself.  The open fields mask the inner conflicts Glass has and his dogged zeal in surviving the elements.  ‘The Revenant’ is reliant on amazing visuals although Inarritu is careful to never let them overwhelm the story.  He ensures the tale of justice and humanity is effectively served by the primal elements giving ‘The Revenant’ genuine authenticity.
 
The vistas aid in the strong performances. DiCaprio has grown into a solid actor willing to delve deeply into his characters.  He successfully inhabits Glass’ resolute persona as does Hardy as the evil Fitzgerald.  Like DiCaprio, Hardy has built a reputation for immersing himself into his role, which he does very well here.  Story elements featuring Native Americans and their plight against white tyranny also provide interest despite the often drawn-out run-time.
 
‘The Revenant’ is an interesting survival movie delivering on its promise.  Like so many in its genre, it raises questions of how the protagonist can overcome various obstacles.  The power of the mind can just be as strong as the physical side, something ‘The Revenant’ compellingly tells.

 
 
Rating out of 10:  7
Movie Review by Patrick Moore
Agree with Patrick's Movie Review? Then please use the comment box.
Patrick Moore's Movie Review is an alternative look at movie releases in Australia.
 
 
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