Review of The New World (2005) by Mikey M — 24 Nov 2011

The visuals do get under your skin (as is to be expected from Malick), but there's a distinct lack of heightened drama throughout this film and not enough is made of the conflicts that do exist in this story.

Malick's films are a law unto themselves, but the bizarre voice-over just doesn't work here and unlike his magnificent debut feature, Badlands, and the powerful Thin Red Line, this film actually suffers from the director's unabashed directorial gaze - which to be quite honest, in this particular film, feels a bit tiresome.

Another viewing required perhaps, but on first look I was decidedly underwhelmed.