Review of The Fall (2006) by Ray J — 22 Aug 2015

I'm convinced that this is this generation's The Princess Bride. Not only because they share a theme (that being love) and also because the general plot is the same (a man tells, to a young child, a fairy tale), but also because I genuinely think it rivals it. However, unlike The Princess Bride, this one takes on a darker, more realistic tone (or at least, up until the resolution).

Catinca Untaru, the child actress that plays Alexandria, is one of the best I've ever seen (maybe even THE best). It really shows just how good she was when she manages to outpace the lead adult actor (Lee Pace). I have read that Pace and the crew managed to convince her that the situations in the movie were real (so in a way she could've really not been acting). Either way, she was marvelous, nonetheless.

And speaking of Lee Pace, he also did quite a great job. And to have had played a paralyzed, depressed stunt-man on the brink of suicide, too; it was incredibly convincing. The rest of the actors, naturally, had good performances.

It was alleged (and I believe this was a statement made by the director himself) that that the movie contained absolutely no CGI. Even without that in mind, the movie already had spectacular visuals. Adding that TO mind is even more of an amazement.

It's a small detail, but I love that, despite the way Roy (Pace) intending something in the story, there are a few times were Alexandria interprets it differently. For example, the "Indian" was meant to be a Native American. It's a great way of delving into the girl's thoughts without it being too overt. Although, it wasn't used quite enough, I don't think.

Overall, though, it's a fantastic look at love, heartbreak, depression, and suicide. I think this might be my new favorite movie ever.