Review of The New World (2005) by Daniel W — 27 Oct 2009

It's 1607, and John Smith, along with a handful of other men, has landed on the shores of North America. He might as well be on the Moon.

While building their small English settlement, a fragile co-existence with the locals collapses in a nervous hail of musket-fire. Peace broken, the two tribes are in a proverbial standoff. Shortly, Smith is captured, and under the knife when his life is spared by the Chief's favored daughter, Pocahontas. From that point forward, the story is hers.

Terrence "Why hurry?" Malick has made four movies over four decades, and each one is an expertly visualized tone poem to humanity, nature, and the past. THE NEW WORLD is no exception. His trademark use of voiceovers, exceptionally beautiful photography, and haunting music (At times, it could be considered a "wall of sound".) can, for those who are willing, pull you into its timeless meditative flow.

The performances are also notable. Q'Orianka Kilcher is the obviously fresh standout, but it's Christian Bale as Pocahontas' husband that struck me as understated as it is understanding. His depiction of a decent man who recognizes that his wife is still infatuated with a previous lover doesn't take the expected Hollywood turns into jealousy or histrionic anger. He just confidently, and maturely recognizes that she still loves him, and actually actively encourages a reunion with Smith. An unexpected move that elevates an already great picture.