Set in 1823 Montana and South Dakota, Leonardo DiCaprio stars in the film that’s inspired by the experiences of frontiersman and fur trapper Hugh Glass. Our J.P. has his thoughts on “The Revenant.”
The Revenant
20th Century Fox
Directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu
Produced by Arnon Milchan, Steve Golin, Alejandro G. Iñárritu, David Kanter, Mary Parent, James W. Skotchdopole, Keith Redmon
Screenplay by Mark L. Smith, Alejandro G. Iñárritu
Based on The Revenant by Michael Punke
Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy
Studio Synopsis:
Deep in the uncharted American wilderness, trapper Hugh Glass (Leonardo DiCaprio) is severely injured and left for dead by a traitorous member of his team, John Fitzgerald (Tom Hardy). With sheer will as his only weapon, Glass must navigate a hostile environment, a brutal winter, and warring Native American tribes in relentless quest to survive and exact vengeance on Fitzgerald. Based on a true story, THE REVENANT is directed and co-written by renowned filmmaker Alejandro González Iñárritu (“Birdman,” “Babel”).
J.P.’s Take:
To put it plain and simple, “The Revenant” is a visionary’s film. It’s the type of cinematic experience that isn’t just viewed … it’s also felt. You’re immersed in visual complexity and the harsh beauty of the environments.
You become emotional involved in Hugh Glass’s (Leonardo DiCaprio) misfortune, as he literally drags through the freezing weather. Every moment is enhanced by its visual state; all of which are breathtaking, yet freighting. Director Alejandro G. Inarritu immediately gets your blood pumping, with raw and bloody battle scenes, as a group of fur trappers are ambushed by Native Americans. These scenes are nothing short of realistic and brutal, as their arrows pierce the air skewering their human targets. Much of the 2 hour 36 minute voyage consists of excruciating moments of Glass trying to regain his strength, after a near deadly bear attack, followed by continuous treks through unknown territory and uncertain situations. Yet, award-winning cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki’s stunning visual prowess makes it all look effortless.
However, there is something to be said about both the story as well as the performances. Co-written by Inarritu with writers Mark L. Smith and Michael Punke, the team punches out a minimalistic nature fable. There are moments of lag where it seems like certain situations went on forever. Mostly scenes where an injured Glass had to trek through the snow could have been lobbed down for time sake. A few moments of banter between the characters could have also been condensed. It all felt tiring to some degree while I viewed mostly environmental art pieces. Not to say that it’s a bad thing. I just couldn’t sit through another nature montage. Despite the minor negatives, the tale of revenge that was brewing was worth paying attention to. It was slow burning and cringe inducing.
DiCaprio as Glass brought sheer will to his role. I was in pain for him as he endures an attack on his camp, betrayal by one of his company men, and left for dead in the unforgiving wilderness. Not soon after his harrowing ordeal, I was routing for him to exact his revenge. Tom Hardy dug deep to bring out the coniving, underhanded John Fitzgerald to the surface. Accent and all he made the character his own. The remainder of the cast, Will Poulter (as Jim Bridger), Domhnall Gleeson (Captain Andrew Henry), Paul Anderson (Anderson), Brad Carter (Johnnie), Kristoffer Joner (Murphy), Brendan Fletcher (Fryman), Joshua Bruge (Stubby Bill), and Robert Moloney (Dave Stomach Wound) were all on board in support of DiCaprio. They were just as committed to their roles as he.
Although “The Revenant” is not the kind of film I’d run back to the theater to see right away. I have to say, however, the poetic justice in the end made the excursion worthwhile.