Probably the best film that could have been made from this story, with strong performances, crisp direction and wonderful attention to detail(it was actually shot in Pakistan and benefits immensely: the bustling streets, armed compounds of the rich, dingy newspaper offices and police station, sprawling apartment blocks, etc) But its problematic at its core - to wit, that Angelina Jolie basically spends most of the film sitting at home worrying. The middle section, where the Pakistani police go out and start interrogating and raiding houses, is by far more compelling (it would make a great film on its on, Pakistani counter-terrorism unit, fighting their own countrymen on behalf of the forces of secularism). Also good is the opening scene where the journo is about to be kidnapped - we know it and he doesn't. This is the sort of film where pictures and brief moments say so much - like the FBI lady bossing around the Pakistanis, the Pakistani police being motivated by embarassment that this has happened in their country more than anything else, the glimpses of poverty. So much talent, love and care was invested in the film, you just wish it had had a more active protagonist. (Jolie doesn't make her particularly likable, either -though she does have a great screaming scene). The film is dedicated to their son, Adam - no pressure there, Adam!
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Movie review - "A Mighty Heart" (2007) **1/2
Probably the best film that could have been made from this story, with strong performances, crisp direction and wonderful attention to detail(it was actually shot in Pakistan and benefits immensely: the bustling streets, armed compounds of the rich, dingy newspaper offices and police station, sprawling apartment blocks, etc) But its problematic at its core - to wit, that Angelina Jolie basically spends most of the film sitting at home worrying. The middle section, where the Pakistani police go out and start interrogating and raiding houses, is by far more compelling (it would make a great film on its on, Pakistani counter-terrorism unit, fighting their own countrymen on behalf of the forces of secularism). Also good is the opening scene where the journo is about to be kidnapped - we know it and he doesn't. This is the sort of film where pictures and brief moments say so much - like the FBI lady bossing around the Pakistanis, the Pakistani police being motivated by embarassment that this has happened in their country more than anything else, the glimpses of poverty. So much talent, love and care was invested in the film, you just wish it had had a more active protagonist. (Jolie doesn't make her particularly likable, either -though she does have a great screaming scene). The film is dedicated to their son, Adam - no pressure there, Adam!
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