Subversive Historical Adventure

Rating: 6/10 (21 June 2018)

The engrossing real tale of British explorer Percy Fawcett, searching for proof of an ancient lost civilisation. The film could have easily fallen in cliche, but instead took surprising choices in narrative. The cinematography is gorgeous - the swirling colours of the jungle shown as a dream or nightmare. The pacing is very slow, which is not always a problem - but the film could have benefited from a shorter run-time.
Fine performances from all the main cast - particularly Robert Pattinson. Charlie Hunnam was apparently not the first (or even the second) casting choice for the lead - but does a good job regardless. He tries to shows inner-complexities here, but the role is quite one-note. The plot is repetitive, but this makes sense in a story of an obsessional quest. Unfortunately some scenes become incoherent - specifically a moment taking place in trench warfare that is almost comically strange. Some would find the ending unsatisfying - but I enjoyed it. A profound and ultimately sombre film.