An understated classic

Rating: 7/10 (2 September 2010)

Film reviewers in their self-appointed omniscience, occasionally tend to forget the obvious; for example that Invictus, Eastwood's 30th feature length film in 38 years isn't a study of south African politics, but a mere adaptation of a book about a political leader and a rugby game. New light through the old windows then Here is a film, magisterially constructed, stately executed, of course, about a man's political insight and the dedicated seriousness with which this insight must be served. Nothing frivolous or "likeable" about great Mr. Freeman's interpretation of the Man. Instead he builds a thoughtful diplomat, a passive aggressive person of gentle manners and obsessive persistence. Mr. Eastwood's only arguable decision – if I may – is his conscious attempt to portray a situation in its almost pedestrian, at times, reality, relieved of any real danger of things going the wrong way. For a director who never indulged in the suspenseless, this comes as a surprise Yet, on second thought, the game itself is not the issue at hand. Yes, it may occupy the grand finale and, plausibly apply the upbeat feeling, but Mr. Eastwood's cinema almost always is elsewhere: In the reintegration, understanding and affirmation of the Male, of the one who makes the necessary decisions to solidify the social web. And under this light, Invictus is one with the director's unmistakable canon.