The Fall
The Fall
The director, Tarsem, has a background in commercials and music videos, which may have lead to his strong visual style. In fact, the theme of the movie appears to be about the power of images and storytelling. The movie begins with a stunning steam train sequence in black and white. It then splits into two clear parts, the muted reality of life in a hospital and the saturated surealism of the storyteller’s tale.
There is an interesting scene in the hospital where light streams through a keyhole projecting the inverted silhouette of a horse on the wall. On one level the director may have just enjoyed demonstrating a naturally occurring camera obscura, or it might have been to lead the viewer into thoughts about our perceptions of reality. The highlight of the hospital scenes is the 8 year old Catinca Untaru who is perhaps the best child actor I have seen.
The images from the story are stunning. Filmed over 4 years in 18 different countries, I got the impression that the director had gone through his collection of National Geographic magazines, and created a shot list of impressive locations to shoot a movie. Another influence of the director is even clearer, the movie Baraka
The movie has its flaws, but is well worth watching.
Enjoy.
TRAVEL 67 : Chris Willson Photography 
It always surprises me that your interest covers wide fields and your activities extensive.
I find Your orthodox English very easy to understand. I think it is because of your good educational background. I watch BBC World Service on TV (Sky Perfect TV) and listen to Rush Limbaugh on AFN. News BBC broadcasts is depressing but I like “Hard Talk.” Rush Limbaugh is a big fun.
Living on Okinawa, what do you watch and listen or read? I think they have an English paper over there.
Have you seen The Cell by the same director? It was also quite stunning visually, but lacked substance. I also thought casting Jennifer Lopez as the lead actress was a mistake. Nevertheless, I appreciated the film photography. Thank you for recommending The Fall, it is now on my list of movies to see.
Yes I saw The Cell and was really surprised how different it was to other films in the suspense/serial killer genre. Overall I didn’t really like the movie but I remember being really impressed by the scenes in Namibia.
just started watching the Fall and realized that I’ve already seen it a couple of years ago. 🙂
Ah yes! The Fall!
I have seen this remarkable movie. I was blown away by the strong visuals, the beautiful photography.
Indeed Tarsem made the Cell prior to The Fall, wich has also very strong imaging.
I believe Tarsem Singh is in the process of making another visual feast, called “Dawn of War”, scheduled for 2011…featuring Mickey Rourke and others..
Can’t wait 😉