Review of One from the Heart (1982) by William A — 22 Jan 2013

Francis Ford Coppola's greatest box office failure, One From the Heart, is anything but a failure. Sure it has some pacing issues, but my goodness is it extraordinary to look at. Shot entirely at Zoetrope Studios, the film is a marvel to look at.

All $26 million dollars is definitely there on screen. Everyone gives marvelous performances, the sets are spectacular, the costumes are wonderful, the cinematography and lighting are exquisite and, as always, the direction is strong.

It's in the writing where the movie fails really. It isn't that it's bad, it's just that a story of this type isn't really for everyone. In a lot of ways it reminds me of films like Moulin Rouge! in terms of style.

This film seems to set the standard for that kind of grand tapestry of filmmaking, but I didn't understand that until now. The music and the choreography is marvelous, of course. The former courtesy of Tom Waits, who was nominated for an Oscar for his work.

The film is very bluesy, and probably not one that I'll watch too many times in my life, but I soaked it in and enjoyed it for what it was. It's not for everyone, but if you're looking for filmmaking on a grand scale at its finest, look no further.

Francis Ford Coppola may fail, but he fails enormously, and well. Definitely check it out if your'e a film fan.