On est tous des sauvages

Rating: Null/10 (28 February 2016)

Watched a 4k digital version on a large screen (IMAX, but the version presented was anything but that).
Now, if anyone has seen Mel Gibson's 'Apocalypto', that movie can give you a fair idea on what to expect, both in terms of this being a frenetically paced set-piece rolling after set- piece, with the makers not holding back on period gore throughout. Tough to sit through, but its an experience of sorts.
What I was nevertheless surprised by, is how little of the main plot has been given away by this movie's trailers and many reviews. Kudos both to the marketing team of the movie, and fans who did check themselves while trying to describe their own experience while viewing this.
Other than 'Apocalypto', this one also shares DNA with 'Mad Max: Fury road' and 'Birdman: the unexpected value of ignorance' (Inarritu's own creation from last year). While the former comparison has more to do with the forceful and relentless nature of things, the latter comparison is due to the fact that we are forced to inhabit the same world that the main lead does, and follow him around throughout, from beginning to end.
The way this is made, hearkens back to what director Peter Weir might have been going for with his underrated/under-seen 'The Way back' (Jim Sturgess, Saoirse Ronan, Ed Harris, Colin Farrell), but did not quite get, keeping that one firmly in the almost-R/PG-13 mainstream zone.
Tom Hardy plays the heavy, interestingly reunited with his co-star from 'Inception', Leonardo DiCaprio, who has to be one of the most punished lead characters ever put on film. Will this work the Oscar magic for him though? Considering this is a very controversial year for the Oscars, even a win this year might just be considered pyrrhic due to the color of his skin (the controversy sheds light on a fair point, but this nomination might just not be a part of it).
All that shouldn't detract from the fact that this was well put together, from cinematography to score, direction to editing, and yes, makes this a superior movie to Apocalypto even.
I'm heading to the (censored) (L)I(e)max viewing this week, and do feel this is one for multiple viewings.
More thoughts from 2 viewing, on a (L)I(e)max screen, with ambient construction noise screwing up the sound design playing back, and one side of the digitally projected image flickering continually.
Observed that Domhnall Gleeson (Ex machina, About time, Force awakens, Shadow dancer, son of Brendan 'Troy' 'Calvary' 'Garda' Gleeson) acquired himself admirably, having the 3rd best presence, allegiance DiCaprio and Hardy (unfairly overlooked for a spring actor nomination, that, imo, he was a 'Locke' for)...
The other comparisons we could make, include 'The last of the Mohicans' and 'The Road' (even 'The Walking Dead'), and though I felt this was better than 'Apocalypto', overall, I still found this wanting in the action set-piece department.
I do know that I have to read the book this one's based on, especially to understand about the Sioux and the Pawnee tribes that are very much a party of this tale.