cold comfort from cold mountain

Rating: Null/10 (3 July 2004)

the scene of the big explosion at the beginning of the movie actually happened, as did the union slaughter when the soldiers from the north charged into the crater and couldnt get out. such is the stupidity and waste of war. there is a surplus of stupidity and waste in this film too. despite a 3 hour running time and a host of characters there was something missing. a lack of focus. perhaps it was the time and location shifting which is a trademark hollywood technique.
I watched the Ken Burns PBS series on the civil war and speak from some authority on the subject. An event so pivotal should have provided background for something more emotionally compelling than a mere vehicle to trot out the much touted Ms Kidman. I did like Renee Zellwegger however. She seems to be as feisty in person as the character Ruby in this movie.
so it seems the hollywood forte of creating fiction extends to creating hype about the fiction they create; to whit I recall the oscar night splash regarding Cold Mountain. a film that tries to be too many things: an anti-war statement, a love story, a human interest story. and doesnt quite make the grade on any count.
a very watchable film, worth a first look, but somewhat disappointing considering the expectations that preceded its release on dvd.
6 1/2 /10