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The Fall (2006/2008)

post #1 of 11
9/10/08 at 5:48pm
Thread Starter 
Just got this one from Netflix and was completely enraptured by it. I think it just moved to the top of my favorite films of this year so far.

Tarsem's visual style is on full display as usual, but I wasn't expecting such heart at the core of it all. Especially surprising was how well all the international locations blend together to create an ultimate fantasy world.
Both of the lead actors carry very well, and at times I felt like it must have been improv because of the natural feeling of their private conversations, but then Tarsem would throw in other elements taking place in the same room on top of it and I would doubt myself.

The behind the scenes on the DVD sort of confirm that thought, and show how hard and how fun it was to get this film shot. I also learned a lot about directing kids from it.

I knew going into it that it would have merit based on the recommendation of both David Fincher and Spike Jonze, but I was still blown away.
Anyone else see it/ have thoughts?
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post #2 of 11
9/10/08 at 5:57pm
A great little film. A wondrous display at the power of camerawork and artistry of the frame. If Tarsem's fails as a storyteller (and parts are weak and threads go nowhere), it's only because he is a master painter. I could watch this movie all week. No soun, no nothing. Just...marvel at it.
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post #3 of 11
9/10/08 at 8:07pm
Found this really affecting as well. The end, as he sort of tragifies the story as the girl is in the hospital bed, was heartbreaking. Pace was amazing in that scene.

I was a little confused at the epilogue. Did he recover from his paralysis? Did she imagine all those stuntmen were him? I know there's footage from Buster Keaton films and stuff like that, but I found the whole affair slightly confusing. Not that it mattered much by this point, as the film had completely won me over.

I think this makes a great companion piece to Pan's Labyrinth.
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post #4 of 11
9/11/08 at 1:28am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Xion View Post
Did he recover from his paralysis?
Since the whole film is from her point of view, especially the childlike naivete, I sort of figured that she saw an old movie of him in that shot at the end. This, and his not having recovered, is sort of supported by the earlier scene where his costar with one leg is trying to convince him he would still have a career as a paralyzed stuntman, which Tarsem brings up in the audio commentary.

Also, I learned from that same commentary and behind the scenes doc that Lee Pace, being a relatively unknown actor, convinced the entire cast and crew that he was in fact paralyzed throughout the entire production. Only when shooting wrapped did he and Tarsem reveal to everyone that he could walk!


Quote:
Originally Posted by Xion View Post
I think this makes a great companion piece to Pan's Labyrinth.
I agree. They share alot of the same elements of a child's view in a scary and large world and the fantasies they concoct to deal with it all.
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post #5 of 11
9/11/08 at 4:39am
The visuals are without a doubt incredible, but the story seemed just to meander around, re-trace its steps, and throw in some ridiculous (and yes I know it's a fantasy movie, but still) plot turn. I think I'd enjoy it more with the sound off, because the visuals put even Tarsem's earlier The Cell to shame.
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post #6 of 11
9/13/08 at 10:09pm
Lovely film.just lovely. I was lucky enough to have it play at my theatre chain in a single screen 900 seat theatre. And I had a stroke of luck when a promotional book with stills from the film was not picked up by a reporter. I got to take it home where it shares a space in my bookshelf. This one I must buy at some point.
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post #7 of 11
9/14/08 at 3:03am
I already have a love for Lee Pace from his work in Pushing Daisies but this movie really made me take notice as an actor with much more range than I imagined. The little girl was fantastically funny and I agree the scene by her bedside was very moving. A beautifully shot film that I find much more satisfying than Tarsem's previous effort.

Anyone that reads the little Netflix blurb before watching does themselves a disservice, as the damn thing pretty much reveals the twist.
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post #8 of 11
9/14/08 at 10:58pm
Just got this on Tuesday and I loved it as well. A friend of mine complained that the story itself was sloppy and boring but that's kind of the point. There's supposedly not a single CGI shot in this film which blows my mind.

Tarsem officially erased The Cell from my mind. I will no longer laugh when I hear his name. Well done.
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post #9 of 11
9/15/08 at 8:51am
Probably will be my first Blu Ray purchase, although that switch has not happened yet unfortunately.
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post #10 of 11
7/31/10 at 2:48am
I rented this tonight. I will be purchasing it in the morning.

The young girl was amazing. And the images on the screen were equally so.
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post #11 of 11
7/31/10 at 4:34am
Beautiful little film put together very imaginatively. Both Pace and the girl are great.
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