The Fall...Tarsem's Masterpiece...

As I heard about the immortals and got hyped by the trailer, I ended up seeing the Fall again...Tarsem's obsession movie, I guess, since he took him something close to 10 years to finish it...And with good reason if you think the details of production.So I remembered once again something that I have forgotten...That this is one of my favorite movies and maybe the most beautiful movie EVER made!!!!!  

The story is actually quite simple. The main plot begins in a 1920s hospital. The main characters are a small girl being in the hospital with a broken arm and a stunt man ending up in there after an accident on set. The little girl(Alexandria) has become some of a celebrity in the compound since the cheerful and curious nature makes her quite lovable...She befriends the stunt man (Roy) and he begins to tell her a story. Since he is improvising it at first he has some failed attempts but he manages, eventually, to find something interesting...The story of the Black Bandit and his comrades against the evil Governor Odious(subtle yes?). From there on the plot travels back and forth from the real world to Roy's story as seen by Alexandria's imagination. Though this process the stories, emotions and characters of the 2 begin to slowly unravel. To say anything more would just spoil the movie.... 

The main plot of the movie is actually Roy and Alexandria's interaction in the real world, although most of the time is spent in Roy's story. It is a beautiful exploration of the characters and their motives and concludes really strong and emotionally. And this is something that many seem to fail to see, criticizing the movie's lack of actual story...Ýet it is crazy. Through all that happens, the characters have a beautufully emotional arc conveyed marvelously though 'Roy's story. And the resolution is almost too intense. Granted nothing on terms of actual real events happen but the whole arc is the changes inside head of the characters and their take on life. And both main actors do a great job, especially Catinca Untaru, who is probably the most lovable little girl one has ever seen on a movie. This movie really has an impact  to whoever sees it....

What is also really unique is the other theme of the movie. The interaction of the storyteller and the listener and how the story can change by the listener himself. The reality of traditional storytelling is this: That the story is always interpreted differently by each listener even though they hear the same words. And the movie does a great job presenting it here. You just see what the little girl sees in her mind. The places, the actions, the words. Even the faces of the characters in the story can change when her perception of the story shifts, which by the way they have the faces of people see knows in real life. One other smart aspect is that the movie plays with is the idea that Roy improvises the story. Even the greatest storyteller cannot make a completely solid story on the spot. There are always, here and there, intensional retcons, plot holes and contradictions that really communicates to the viewers that this is Roy's story making it as he goes and sometimes he struggles by it.Alexandria even comments on some of them, making for some really funny and enjoyable bits. The movie really captures the essence of traditional storytelling. The kind that our grandmothers used to use to entertain us. The kind of innocent stories that do not need perfect plots to have essence. It really enrages me to see some even criticizing Roy's  story itself because of its plot holes yet failing to realize that it is intentional.            

The reason why this movie is known on the other hand is its visuals.And whatever one might have heard about the matter,it just does not do it justice. This is literally the most impressive visual movie of all time. You eyes might literally bleed from the beauty they are exposed to...Every shot is a seminar of photography and cinematography. Even the most classical tricks are used to so masterfully that can impress. I mean really tell me....How long has it been since you were blown away by a fade out...A damn fade out and it blew my mind away...And what is most impressive...No CGI.Almost no digital effects. All places and locations are real and the perfection is achieved only through great cinematography. This is one of the reasons it took to long to make..Who knows in how many place it was shot(ok the director knows and imdb probably but it is just a figure of speech). It is one of these movies that really takes you to a different place when you watch.  

This is just a magnificent picture that is a must see.Even if you don't like the actual story of the 2 characters it is worth it just for its visual excellence. There are very few movies made that are so magnificently shot and the images will remain in your head for many days...Just one warning....Do not, I REPEAT DO NOT, see the trailer first. It completely spoils the plot and the visuals. Much better to see them firsthand in the movie...  

IMDB page