Friday, February 03, 2006
Constant Gardener, The (2005)
Following from the acclaimed City of God, director Fernando Meirelles' latest has been the subject of numerous nominations and a contender in several publications' top ten lists. Based on the John Le Carré novel, The Constant Gardener stars Rachel Weisz (The Mummy, About a Boy) and Ralph Fiennes (The English Patient) as a British couple becoming increasingly estranged on a visit to Northern Kenya. Beginning with the gruesome murder of Weisz’ character, Tessa, the film is driven by a confused husband who begins to unravel both a corporate secret as well as mounting evidence of his wife’s possible infidelities. This dual purpose sets forth an energetic thriller and is one of the best in conspiracy films. As with most suspense films of this type, there are numerous characters in the background, many of whom are complicit in the plot and others who are sympathetic to Fiennes’ Justin Quayle. Set amidst the increasingly popular backdrop of poverty-stricken Africa, Meirelles’ film is but one of many dealing with capitalist initiatives in third world countries.Visually, the monochromatic scenes help to set moods: despair, remembrance, and increasing helplessness. Making good use of the oft-dreaded shaky camera lends the film an interesting addition: the semblance of a documentary. The feeling is only there for short bursts, and especially scenes taking place in the African villages, where many look into the camera, staring into the eyes of Quayle and the viewer. Thankfully, the camera never becomes as nauseatingly bad as in 2004’s thriller, The Bourne Supremacy. Where the film lacks focus is in keeping the viewer up-to-date with the various background figures. The Constant Gardener suffers from the horrible syndrome that is the “novel adaptation”; attempting to fit nearly 600 descriptive pages into a two-hour visual treat is nearly as hard as conveying wordless emotions in a novel. The various co-conspirators that likely had more development space in the novel are only briefly grazed over in the film, to the point where would-be shocking revelations may be lost on viewers who do not sport pristine memories. Of course, this is nothing a second viewing should not remedy – a repeat trip worth taking.
Apart from a few romantic stints no doubt stemming from his success in The English Patient, this marks Ralph Fiennes greatest role in years (though some may have recognized him as Lord Voldemort in Goblet of Fire underneath the hideous makeup). As the cool gardener who desperately loves his flight-risk wife, Fiennes plays admirably. However, the real star here may be in Rachel Weisz, who for a dead character finds a surprising amount of time in the limelight. Her secrets and intentions are expertly hidden beneath her bubbly exterior, and Weisz must be commended for keeping viewers in the dark. The Constant Gardener serves as both a good thriller as well as a critique on the role of
pharmaceuticals and leading governments in third world countries. My only recommendation to those who watch this film would be to grab a feel-good one to watch immediately after, as the subject matter is obviously heavy.# posted by Andres Canella : 9:32 PM
