Review of Sullivan's Travels (1941) by Trav H — 12 Dec 2006

Apocalypto.

OKay I saw [I]Apocalypto[/I] on opening day and I was just totally blown away. It is an incredible film that just grabs a hold of you and will not let go for its entire duration. Apocalypto is brutal, relentless and mesmerizing. Watching this in the theaters is the definition of a true visually astounding cinematic experience. Everybody seems to want to talk about the violence. There is much violence but it is not distracting, rather completely essential to the film. This is a primal story set in an alien cultur. The violence is a facet of their lifestyle that has become commonplace.

I love how the film doesnt dwell on the culture of the Mayan civilization but takes a minimalist approach in telling the story of a young village dwelling man and his attempt to save his family. We get a peek at the great towers and pyramids but we don't get to see it for any longer than Jaguar Paw does. Further we, like Jaguar Paw, are distracted by the constant sacrafices and beheadings of the prisoners. Apocalypto barely gives you a moment to breathe, and it certainly doesnt spend time superfluously dazzling you with glorified architecture and practices of an ancient civilization. I admit that before seeing the movie I expected, or at least desired, an extensive look into civilization and daily life of city dwelling Mayans. After being treated to this more human story I feel it could not have been done any other way. The minimalizing of civilization did so much to add to the realism. The film treats the viewer as one already aware and familiar with the city who would be much more interested in the intense physical and emotional journey of a single man. Imagine if a film explored modern day New York City with an atitude of wide eyed awe, as though it were the work of some foreign and mysterious empire? Instead we get countless films that just take the city for granted and focus on the story of individuals. I love how it is evident that Mel Gibson did not simply want to make a movie about Mayan Civilization; sensationalizing its ancient culture for a modern audience was not his intent. He had a story to tell and that was the ultimate priority. Apocalypto is the work of a brilliant storyteller and is an enormous triumph.

(9/10).

Mini:

[I]Sullivan's Travels[/I].

In the year of Kane came this delightful and insightful comedy from Preston Sturges about a silver spooned director who wants to taste first hand the reality of American poverty to get material for his first socially responsible picture. It co-stars the electricifying Veronica Lake.

PS The Coen Bros. picked up the name of their film "O Brother Where Art Thou?" from ST, it being the title of Sullivan's proposed conscientious film.

(8/10).