Review of Unbroken (2014) by Efrain S — 19 Jan 2015

Angelina Jolie's second feature lacks some key ingredients to form a completely satisfying mixture.

At first glance, for it's size and scope, this would seem like the work of a seasoned director. An epic scale biopic with enormous sets, difficult locations, and a multitude of extras. It is without a doubt a challenging project but then say what you will, Angelina Jolie has always been bold. Unfortunately though, as the film progresses, where those bold efforts are spent often feels redundant, leaving behind a wash of horrifying events that aren't as impactful as they could--and should--have been.

This film is not without merit. Wonderfully photographed by Roger Deakins, Unbroken tells the story of Louis Zamperini, an Olympic runner who suffers a series of tragedies, eventually finding himself a prisoner of war in Japan in 1943. Angelina Jolie clearly has incredible talent for directing actors--the absolutely riveting performances of Jack O'Connell and Domhnall Gleeson are testament--and for that she should be highly regarded. My trouble is that for a film that dives so deeply and so darkly into the worst moments of a man's life, there are surprisingly few moments of hope. Knowing he will persevere from the title alone is not enough and the lack of hope is achingly felt, creating a third act that feels empty and long winded.

Angelina Jolie is not entirely to blame of course. Doing a quick Wiki search told me more than the film thought to in terms of how regarded Louis was among the other prisoners--sharing recipes to take their minds off things and so forth. Perhaps the script by the Coen brothers (rewritten from earlier scripts) could have used this sort of lightness to the film's and Jolie's advantage. Jolie instead utilizes frequent pans to the sky and large scale shots that, had they been less beautiful and epic, may have brought you closer to the tragedy within.

I'm very interested to see Angelina Jolie continue to direct actors, perhaps next time with a more intimate script and less money. It takes years to hone the grueling craft of self editing, a skill that becomes more necessary with every million dollars that is added to the budget. A skill that is not usually exhibited from many young directors, including Angelina Jolie.