Film Review: The Village. Director: M. Night Shyamalan.
What is reality? What we see, what we perceive or what happens to us? Is it disappointing, like many people say because we perceive it to be like that? Our reality is a product of our circumstances and the opinions of those around us, be it people we love, official institutions that govern us and our experiences. But, what if the basis of our realities and truths is a lie?
A riveting contradiction of reality that is accepted by us, with the reality we can carve and create for ourselves is portrayed in M. Night Shyamalan's 'The Village'. The film revolves around an isolated village in the woods where suddenly a series of killings and disappearances ensue. In this situation, Lucius Hunt (Joaquin Phoenix) and Ivy Walker (Bryce Dallas Howard), a man and a differently abled woman who fall in love, question their reality and arrive at some spine chilling conclusions.
'The Village' is far from a quintessential suspense where the audience would get their questions answered in no time, but is a rather slow and sesquipedalian suspense where the tension keeps building and the audience is at the edge of their seats, guessing what would happen. Taking the audience on a rather slow journey in a thriller film, yet not inducing an iota of melancholy requires art and tact, and both are palpably visible throughout the film. This makes 'The Village' unique.
While watching the film, the audience not only witnesses the story and keeps guessing the next move, it also considers life and its realities from a philosophical standpoint. The film is not for the ones who enter into a state of ennui easily; patience is one of its prerequisites. As the suspense unfolds, the audience is completely taken by surprise.
Prima facie, 'The Village' may not seem like an entertainer. But, it entertains, engages and surprises as well. In that it completely adheres to the genre of thrillers. It also subtly tells the audience that silence, snail's pace and repetitions were needed. In this aspect, the film is like biryani, slow-cooked but delectable and felicitous. The timing of Lucius and Ivy getting into a relationship and the recalcitrant killer who sets on a murder rampage is similar. Ivy uses her sixth sense to figure the truth out. While women-centric cinema and cinematic themes are burgeoning in India currently, 'The Village' showcases a femme fierce in 2004 itself. Of all the things the film stands for, its portrayal of women handling crises deftly and efficiently is worthy of aplomb. The film portrays and celebrates feminism in its truest sense: celebrating women without relegating men.
The film is relevant on many counts. Be it city or a village, the universality of the film is accurately characterized. The bonds of a family, the love of sisters for each other, the diverse natures of the diverse people inhabiting the village and their diverse attitudes while handling a crisis, the feeling of kinship among the villagers and their collectively facing a major issue is all veritably and relatably portrayed. Universality and peculiarity are rightly blended the film.
The aesthetics of 'The Village' are on point. The beautiful village, the perfect houses, the spooky forest etc. are picturesquely portrayed. The art direction is meticulous and perfection is delivered. The film is a representation of an idea executed to perfection, leaving no room for flaw.
The unconventional script, having just a modicum of humor and the camaraderie between Lucius and Ivy and the fact that they can share silence comfortably is very well limned. The direction is breath-taking and M.Night Shyamalan collectively captures suspense, emotions, reality and universality in a short span of one hour thirty eight minutes.
The cast of the film is stellar, and even though artists like Sigourney Weaver, Adrian Brody and Cherry Jones have small parts to play, their roles are etched in the hearts of the audience for good. Joaquin Phoenix aptly embodies Lucius Hunt as the sweet, polite and shy young man who loves Ivy with all his heart. Bryce Dallas Howard completely steals the show as Ivy and does justice to the meaty screen time allotted to her. The absence of lewdity and other kinds of visuals makes 'The Village' fit for family viewership and enjoyment.
Overall, 'The Village' is a film for the lovers of suspense and philosophy, and the cinematic experience must not be missed out on.
MY TAKE: 10/10.
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The movie sounds well rested. The best part of the movie is that it gives information independently.
ReplyDeleteRadhika, as you have been writing more & more, I distinctly notice your growing skills of writing about something you have liked and that, in a way so that it raises curiosity in the mind of the reader. This is a nice style where you do not get into the plot, rather, excite the reader to experience it himself or herself.
ReplyDeleteIn my case, I literally relived the film, having seen it once earlier. The nuances that you have brought forth induce me to see it again. I am sure, I will enjoy the film more in the second run.
Keep writing good stuff like this !!!