Review of The Fall (2006) by Ankur D — 07 May 2012

Filled with bright colours, characters and a story bursting with originality, Tarsem delivers a magnificent opera-esque film. Due to less characterization of the minor characters in the story, it makes the world less interesting and believable and moments of slow pacing, unnecessary scenes, brings down the film and makes the beautiful world less believable.

The story, a simple one, follows Roy a stuntman, fallen into an hospital bed due to an injury sustained during a stunt. He meets Alexandria, a younger patient who is intrigued by Roy and wonders more and more about him. Soon they become friends and Roy begins to tell her about an epic story, filled with bright characters, romance, action, adventure and imagery. Roy uses characters such as Darwin, the Indian, a slave and a bandit, who try to save a princess form the evil Odeus. Soon Alexandria is even more intrigued by Roy and as his health deteriorates, the story becomes less epic and romanticized, and more painful and tragic.

The story within the story, which Roy narrates and Alex imagines up is filled with colours and bright imagery. there's never a single frame, scene, second in this film where one may say "that looks ugly" it never happens, never. Tarsem knows how to use the camera as a way of telling a story, you could mute the film and be in awe of what's on screen at the moment. Imagination is bursting throughout the film, the band of players, are played out by Alexandria's imagination of people she meets everyday. However there were moments where much is happening, but due to some weak performances, dull/boring pacing and weak characterization it did not fully engage me. Due to the beautiful cinematography and good story, The Fall is less a film more of an experience for everyone to watch and bask in.

6.5/10.