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« Reply #15 on: December 22, 2007, 10:37:PM » |
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The murder of Daniel Pearl still resonates with many Pakistani's as a shameful event in their country's history. 'A mighty heart' captures every beat of the month long kidnapping and investigation with delicate balance. In the tradition of Michael Winterbottom, it is urgent, precise, objective and authentic. The places are all real. I've been to many of them myself . I lived through these events and everything I saw in this excellent film, brought those memories back. The feel, look and aura of Karachi as a city in specific, and Pakistan and its people in general, has never been this accurately portrayed. This is not surprising, Winterbottom has made other films set in or around Pakistan (In this world, Road to Guantanamo, both equally fantastic and mesmerising). Consider how well researched the film is - when the action moves from Karachi to Rawalpindi, the dialogues change from Urdu to Punjabi. Another film (or director) might have overlooked the significance of this, and indeed Winterbottom made some fatal mistakes with his portrayal of Dubai in Code 46, but here he is in fine form, finding a balance that he never had before.
The performance are all convincing and it was a welcome surprise to see known Pakistani actors playing their roles so well. Special praise should be given to Angelina Jolie, who almost disappears behind her French accent and curly hair as Mariane Pearl. Being a journalist in the film, her character is able to stay on top of things as they happen. Her involvement in the making of the film (who's screenplay is based on her book) is clearly evident. Many people will be frustrated by many things not covered in the film. The motives behind the murder, the absence of the beheading video (google for it and satisfy yourself!) etc, etc. This film is not about those things. It is about a series of events as they transpired. Winterbottom has by now perfected his art of near documentary filmaking and 'A Mighty Heart' is not just one of the best films of this year, but also one of the filmakers best.
Rating: 5/5
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