Movie Review: The Fall
Rating: 
Directed By: Tarsem Singh
Starring: Catinca Untaru, Lee Pace
Plot Synopsis:
Los Angeles, circa 1920‘s, a little immigrant girl (Catinca Untaru) finds herself in a hospital recovering from a fall. She strikes up a friendship with a bedridden man (Lee Pace) who captivates her with a whimsical story that removes her far from the hospital doldrums into the exotic landscapes of her imagination.
Making sure he keeps the girl interested in the story he interweaves her family and people she likes from the hospital into his tale. Produced and directed by Tarsem with a screenplay by Dan Gilroy, Nico Soultanakis and Tarsem. Starring Lee Pace and Catina Untaru.
Review:
I have never seen anything like Tarsem’s The Fall. His last movie, The Cell, was visually stunning, but lacked a compelling story. The Fall combines incredible visuals with an extremely moving and memorable story. I can honestly say this was the most beautiful film experience I’ve ever had.
The Fall is like a piece of art. There are scenes that I wish I could just frame and hang up in my house. Visually, this is the most stunning film I have ever seen. See this on Blu-Ray. That format is around for movies like this. Absolutely stunning.
The story and performances are just as memorable as the visuals. Written by by Dan Gilroy , Nico Soultanakis and Tarsem, the story centers around a 6 year old girl (Catinca Untaru) who is stuck in a 1920s hospital recovering from a broken arm. She befriends a paralized ex-stuntman (Lee Pace) who befriends her and begins telling her a fantasical story. Every day Alexandria is compelled to visit and hear more of the story, but is unknowingly being used by Roy to help him commit suicide. That’s all the plot I want to go into.
Let’s start with Catinca Untaru’s performance as Alexandria. She is simply a joy to watch. Somehow, Tarsem was able to capture a true 6-year-old on film. This isn’t some mature-for-her-age child actor. Catinca Untaru is adorably awkward and enchanting to watch. She stumbles over her words, is caught up in the story being told, and it 100% in the moment in every scene. I have never seen such compelling truth on screen. Catinca Untaru is absolutely the best thing about this movie. Absolutely amazing.
Lee Pace is also extremely compelling as the paralized ex-stuntman Roy Walker. It is revealed that he is suicidal and has alternative motives for befriending Alexandria. His sweetness and hidden motives are captured with precision in The Fall. You feel sorry for Roy, yet also are slightly uneasy about him.
All the other supporting characters are wonderful as well. Their roles are not as meaty as the two leads, but all are on the same level. Tarsem has shown that he is a director and storyteller that can get the best performances from all his actors, from the leads to the extras.
The Fall is one of the most moving and visually stunning movies I have ever seen. This somehow fell under the radar and hasn’t gained as much recognition as it should. If your a fan of film, creativity, beauty or a great story, The Fall is a must see. A brilliant, beautiful, emotional and moving film that is truly unforgettable.
Rated R for some violent images.
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Tags: Catinca Untaru, Drama, Lee Pace, Tarsem, The Fall
