Grade: C+

Rating: Null/10 (4 December 2004)

I've now seen three of Anthony Minghella's films. "The English Patient" is among the least interesting ways I've ever spent three hours of my life, and I wish dearly I could have them back. "The Talented Mr. Ripley" was on the other end of the spectrum, an immensely enjoyable experience. "Cold Mountain" falls quite squarely in the middle.
From what I can tell, Mr. Minghella is at his worst when he's making Oscar bait. "The English Patient" was blatant Oscar bait, as is this movie. Fortunately, the supporting performances pull the film through. Minghella and Miramax owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to Renee Zellweger, who gives a titanic, loving, and joyful performance that pretty much saves the movie. Almost as terrific is Natalie Portman, who makes the most of her ten minutes of screen time. Big ups to Philip Seymour Hoffman, Kathy Baker, and Brendan Gleeson as well.
Jude Law does what he can with the character he's given, a dullard by the name of Inman. I could not have cared less about Inman or his journey except within the context of the people he meets along the way. The same goes for Nicole Kidman, who didn't appear to have a character to play at all. Their chemistry was just about nil - as a result I was actually dreading their inevitable reunion, when all the wonderful supporting actors would fade into the background.
The cinematography and music have been rightfully lauded. Say what you will about his command of plot and character, Anthony Minghella certainly knows how to make a good-looking film.
Minghella, I find more and more, is a bit of an enigma. Is he a true artist trying to tell stories, or is he a hack trying to nab the adulation of film critics? Unfortunately, this one definitely leans more toward falling into the "hack" column. I'll await his next picture with baited breath.