Shattered Glass

Rating: 8/10 (9 January 2016)

(Rating: ☆☆☆ out of 4)
This film is recommended.
In brief: Some action scenes do impress, but the filmgoing experience becomes more arduous than needed.
GRADE: B
Vengeance is a sweet and powerful impulse that keeps our protagonist alive in Alejandro G. Iñárritu's sprawling Western saga, The Revenant. Based on a true account of frontiersman Hugh Glass (a superb Leonardo DiCaprio), the film shows his violent journey homeward. Faced with natural obstacles, man-made treachery, Native American hostilities, and a horrifying bear attack, our pioneer fights for his life every moment on his trek through the wilderness. Left for dead by members in his hunting party, his grueling endurance test becomes one for the moviegoer as well as we face hardship after hardship in bloody realistic fashion.
￼The onslaught may not make for comfortable viewing, but the artistry and virtuoso filmmaking on display is exhilarating to behold, even if the screenplay by the director and Mark L. Smith is one long series of strung together perils with not much in the way of strong character development (other than Glass himself), memorable dialog, or detailed plotting. The story itself is a typical survival tale, rote and predictable, with more than a touch of Terrance Mallick's inspiration and spiritualism thrown in with some cloying (but lovely) ethereal dreamscapes and hallucinations marring the action. Also, the film takes some liberties with the historical facts, especially in the fictional climax of the film.
But the artistry by the director, actors, and behind-the-scenes crew is remarkable in their achievements and dedication. Iñárritu is a visionary director, setting up the many action sequences and positioning his actors to get the maximum effect from his unique point of view. (The actual making of this film must have been demanding with his on-location filming in the mountainous regions of Canada.) Shot under frigid conditions, the film has an authenticity that makes the movie all the more riveting with images that truly astound and leave one gaping at its brutality and beauty. The film is a visceral experience but it never touches the mind or heart. It is technically astute and emotionally aloof. (One false note, literally: The dissonant music by Ryuichi Sakamoto, Alva Noto, and Bryce Dessner, which has a mysterious and haunting quality, tends to telegraph the ominous approaching danger the minute any chord is sounded.)
Still, one cannot gush enough about the glorious panoramic wintry vistas and fluid camera-work of the gifted Emmanuel Lubezki. His wide angle shots and striking close-ups are exceptional as is the brilliant editing by Steven Mirrione. The movie-going audience is placed directly in the line of fire as arrows fly, bullets whiz by, and blood flows. Whenever the action starts, we are swept away into its powerful spell.
￼Mr. DiCaprio gives a consummate performance as Glass. The role is subtly portrayed, mostly silent and intrinsic in its character, as this man battles his way suffering one misfortune after another. The misery shows in the actor's facial expressions and stance most effectively. This physically demanding role should send many awards his way as compensation. Providing strong support are Tom Hardy as his rival, Fitzgerald, and Domhnall Gleeson as his dutiful friend.
￼While not for those who have a low tolerance of pain and violence, The Revenant is must-see viewing for any serious film-goer for its technical expertise and the fully committed performance by Mr. Dicaprio. The awe and wander is there, just not the necessary wonder.
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