Good Effort

Rating: 7/10 (13 February 2001)

A brief scan over the premise of this movie brings of concern. Can one man really be entertaining for all that time? How interesting can four years on an island be?
However, I was pleasently surprised, but not overly. Tom Hanks manages to keep your attention, his subtle but significant characted journey is absorbing. The various tasks he must carry out to stay alive are interesting - perhaps only academically and not dramtically. A sense of humour prods the story along.
The direction, for me, is what saves the movie however. Instead of the bright colours of a dream like island, we see shades, pastels. Infact the island is rather grim. Time is used wonderfully, from the fast paced world to the timelessness and lonelyness are expertly portrayed. Silence, black screens, both forgotten devices are used to great effect here. Even the 'four years later' although perhaps cliche, perhaps a little lazy, gives the feeling of nothingness that helps us to feel his isolation.
Although a little too long, perhaps not a master piece, this film has a great deal to offer in its details. Daring in superfical minimalism, and deeply considered beneath the surface, this film will be enjoyed by those who like to work hard with their viewing.