Bleak Film Lacks Redemptive Power

Rating: Null/10 (17 May 2016)

"The Revanant" is a film of stark contrasts. The magnificent scenery and photography are set against human greed, betrayal, and depravity. The result is a film that leaves one feeling empty and sad about the Western push of our nation's history.
Set in 1823, the film tells the story of a group of American trappers who come under attack by a small band of the Arikara tribe. After suffering heavy casualties, the survivors escape, led by their guide, Hugh Glass (Leonardo DiCaprio). In turn, Glass is betrayed when, after being critically wounded by a bear, the men who have sworn to protect him, kill his son and leave him exposed to the elements.
At this point, the film turns into a survival and revenge story. There is little dialogue during this lengthy stretch of the film with the emphasis placed on the magnificent landscape and panoramic vistas. The strength of the film is in the cinematography.
Arguably, DiCaprio's performance succeeded through assistance with the make-up and hairstyle specialists. He speaks very little dialogue, and the character's sotto voce speaking was a set of whispers, due his throat wound in the encounter with the bear. DiCaprio's Academic Award should be divided among the designers, who, in effect, created his character.
A stunning film visually, "The Revanant" never fulfills its potential as a historical drama or even an insightful character study. The goal instead was to create a blockbuster.