Oscar fishing movie makers have come up with what-they-think-is a magic formula -1) Have a few parallel story lines. Definitely a minimum of three. Interconnection between the story lines is strictly optional. Extra points if at least one of the stories is based in another continent.
2) Somehow, work a burning current social/political issue into the storyline. Good topics include –
a. Racial tensions
b. Wars (old or new, preferably currently waged wars)
c. Terrorism
3) Choose between one of three conclusions for the movie –
a. End each of the parallel story lines in complete despair and tragedy
b. Show the incredible triumph of the human spirit across religious/racial/cultural divides
c. Leave a bunch of questions completely unanswered.
So the writers of Lions for Lambs choose the tried and tested multiple story technique, base the movie on current wars, and just for a few kicks and shocks, also cast some scary aspersions on another country.
The writers’ efforts come across as insincere. The entire movie, despite its provocative red hot story and stellar star cast, ends up being strictly lukewarm. That is why the unsatisfactory, unfinished anti-climax comes as no big surprise. The actors try to infuse their lines with feeling, but, sitting in the audience, I just did not feel the passion and urgency, despite the movie delving into topics that I am immensely passionate about.
Conceptually, Lions for Lambs looks excellent on paper. It's plot is truly intelligent and thought provoking – The society pushes youngsters to care for their world and try to make a difference. The few that do, end up losing when they are used as pawns in complex geopolitical machinations. In the meantime, the powers that be – namely, politicians and so-called journalists continue along the twisted paths they make for themselves, forged by ego and plain personal ambition, all cloaked under a veil of patriotism.
Its not a bad movie. The performers- Tom Cruise, Meryl Streep, Robert Redford – all succeed in getting your attention. But you walk away feeling disappointed. Like starving yourself all day in anticipation of a big thanksgiving feast, and ending up with only a serving of lukewarm watered down soup.
No, Lions for Lambs is not a bad movie. It is mediocre. Given the importance of it's plot, the wasted opportunity makes for lousy cinema. A total blue collar B.
1 comment:
when i started reading the review I though u were talking about BABEL...sounds very similar. I am begining to hate movies where u understand what is happening and how the characters are connected to each other only in the end.
Post a Comment