Review of The Fall (2006) by Josh A — 31 Jan 2011

The Fall is perhaps the epitome of style over substance. Stunningly photographed in over 20 countries it's a beautiful travelogue but little else.

Conceptually it is quite interesting, with a stuntman, Roy, having injured himself in a fall, telling stories to a little girl in order for her to help in his suicide. Though the fairytale quality of the story is likeable, there's enough to fill about thirty minutes, so two hours stringing out the idea is arduous.

Tarsem directs with a flair for the visual but he does not connect with his characters, who are, anyway, mere ciphers. His directorial range is mostly limited to beautiful long shots which soon become tiresome. The biggest surprise is why this film is presented to us with David Fincher and Spike Jonze's names, as you'd expect a great deal more verve and character with their involvement.

Catinca Untaru is also very annoying as the little girl, Alexandria. Her dialogue is often muffled and impenetrable, and she is so self-conscious she keeps giving experimental smiles at entirely the wrong moment. Lee Pace does very well to put up with her. His character, Roy, is rather lacklustre, and the reason for him wanting to suicide is romantically cliched. Whilst the use of reality to furnish his story is also a nice touch, using the various people who work in the hospital and his cinema counterparts, it is unfortunate that they are directed to be so stilted in the fairytale.

Eiko Ishioka's costumes are sublime, and the photography is gorgeous but it's all so uninvolving. As a short this would be quite lovely, as a feature it is painful.