C. Robert Cargill,
Dec 08, 2006
How does Apocalypto compare to Gibson's previous historical films Braveheart and The Passion of the Christ?
Cargill
Easily on par in terms of scope, elegance and attention to detail, Apocalypto very readily is in the same ballpark as both of these films. The only difference may be the level of interest in the material this film is dealing with. Both William Wallace and Jesus Christ are well known historical figures with a large amount of material detailing their lives and accomplishments. Apocalypto covers fictional characters and is completely original.
Laremy
I didn’t see Passion because I didn’t have much interest in a film I knew the complete story of. I know this makes me less of a serious reviewer and I’m willing to accept that. However, compared to Braveheart it’s a horrific effort. Braveheart had heart and soul, a plot, and some amazing battle scenes. Apocalypto has a guy running through the jungle for about 30 minutes. It has a lot of pointless death. It has a pointless plot.
Does Gibson manage to transcend the language barrier, or do you wish the film were presented in English?
Cargill
He absolutely makes it work -- this time limiting the dialog to the point that it isn't free of dialog, but doesn't need copious amounts of it either.
Laremy
The language barrier wasn’t really a barrier at all, and it was interesting the way he must have modified the Mayan language to fit the syntax and inflection of today. For instance, I doubt there was a Mayan parallel for a curse word used in the film. So no, I don’t think it needed to be presented in English. It would have been a bad story even if it were presented in Esperanto.
How does the cast of relative unknowns and first-time actors hold up?
Cargill
This cast doesn't look at all like first-time actors. These are very real performances that will start at least a couple of careers.
Laremy
Essentially there is one main character (the guy who runs a bunch), and he is pretty good. I see no reason why he shouldn’t be allowed to act again. He was handed an impossible job, to breathe life into a dead script.
Will this film serve to remind people or make them forgive or forget about Gibson's actions this year?
Cargill
I certainly think it is going to force people to separate the man from the artist. This film is so powerful and so beautifully realized, making very important comments on our own society, that it will become very hard for people to simply dismiss him as many are painting him. And I think that many people are going to begin to feel that some people just won't let it go -- and as a result begin to defend him, feeling that the man has had enough. Especially in light of more recent celebrity debacles, people might begin to take a "get over it" mentality on Gibson detractors.
Laremy
It will make them forget because they’ll be able to refocus on how bad it is. Unlike Passion of the Christ, where you could chalk up dissent to religious polarization, this one has nothing to fall back on. It will be lauded critically because reviewers won’t know what to make of it, while in general the public will take a pass after the first weekend once word of mouth starts.
Would you recommend this film? To whom and why?
Cargill
Definitely. Apocalypto is easily one of the best films of the year and is definitely worth recommending to anyone who loves historical films, action films or simply loves a well made movie. If not for Gibson's recent problems, this film would easily win the best foreign language Oscar and be in the running for best picture.
Laremy
No, and to no one. Unless you like boring films or are interested in very flawed scripts. You’ll get a little violence, a lot of innovation, and some subtitles but no plot or plot direction. The story wanders around a bit before collapsing under its own fleshy weight. It’s a pride piece, pure and simple, from a guy who wanted to take a crack at why civilizations fail. Sadly, he doesn’t impart any knowledge on that subject, as he hits you with obvious metaphor after obvious metaphor.
Austin-based Cargill, who "... not only loves, but owns, The Cutting Edge," writes on Movies and DVD two times a week.
Laremy ponders and portends on Movies, DVD, and TV five times per week.
