Review of The Fall (2006) by John S — 08 Jul 2011

There are so many commendable and remarkable aspects of this film such as it's mesmerizing visuals, beautiful use of Beethowen's 7th, unbelievable performances and a riveting story. The crisp camerawork works so well with the emotionally grasping music. But what's most surprising is little Catinca Untaru who is simply astoundingly real with her performance and plays off a wonderful banter with Lee Pace who is equally astounding.

But by the time the credits roll, the overall experience feels a bit hollow. The film seems to be wanting to say so much, but just like how Roy fooled Alexandria, Singh seems to have fooled us. Roy tricked the little girl by spinning a tall tale that seems to have some sort of ultimate end, but by its finish, seems to have accomplished nothing. At first reflection, the film seems to reflect Roy's story exactly. But if you watch the film without any expectation, without any preconceptions, you realize that it is a hollow film. But this film has taught me that that is not always a bad thing. It may not have been as poetically beautiful as you expect it to be, but then again, maybe the film was never meant to drill further than the surface. If that's the case, this film is simple as a whimsical and magical fantasy that is nothing but that. But the fact that this is not clear from the beginning may unveil the film for just simply being vauge and pointless.

The Fall is visually and emotionally stimulating and sensational and albeit vague and hollow at times, The Fall still manages to dazzle, amaze and put a smile on your face.