Colonialism

Rating: 8/10 (2 October 2006)

Terrence Malick is not a prolific director, as shown by his meager body of work for a man that has spent more than thirty years in the business with only five films to his credit. Yet, every picture he directs is received by his fans with open arms because Mr. Malick has clearly shown his films are a feast for the eyes.
The director and his cinematographer the magnificent Emmanuel Lubezki, have created a work of art, a feast for one's eyes. Most of the frames of the movie can stand alone as a picture in a gallery, or a museum. Mr. Malick's work has always distinguished itself for imbuing beauty in everything he shows on the screen. In Mr. Lubezki, the director has found an invaluable collaborator indeed. Both men seem to be attuned into nature as they bring it to us in all its splendor.
As far as the film, itself, it's a movie that will divide fans and detractors of Mr. Malick. Our only problem with the film seems to be with the sound quality of the finished product. Watching it in DVD format, the dialog seems to get lost and nuances go by without we being able to catch some of it.
"The New World" represents a discovery by the English explorers of a new land, but it also is an event for the native people whose land, and their way of living will be supplanted by the powerful invaders who will dominate them because of the superiority of their arms. It is sad to realize the arriving white man had no use for the people they find in the new country.
The acting in general is first rate. Colin Farrell, as Captain Smith, dominates the first part of the movie. His involvement with the Indian princess Pocahontas, who is never named in the film, shows some tender moments. Q'Orianka Kilcher makes a fine Pocahontas. Christian Bale makes a great appearance as the kind John Rolfe. Christopher Plummer and August Schellenberg are fine as Capt. Newport and Powhatan.
Terrence Malick uses James Horner's musical score to blend with Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 23, and Richard Wagner's "Das Rheingold". The music enhances the mood of the fine images in the film. Let's only hope Mr. Malick will not take too long for his new project, as he always makes us wait impatiently for his next picture.