So I make an effort to see every flick nominated for "Best Picture" every year.. and this year "Amour" and this one were the last two. I don't know why, particularly, but I never really had any desire to see this one until it was nominated for Best Picture. It may have been because the trailers didn't sell me, sort of giving off a "family-friendly" vibe. (SO not my scene) It may have been the lack of recognizable actors. (sorry, Ang Lee, but the dude who played a villainous OsCorp scientist in Amazing Spider Man isn't drawing me in..) Whatever it was, I completely ignored this one despite strong reviews.. and I'm really sorry I did.Based on a widely popular book (Supposedly Obama's favorite!) that is alleged to offer proof of the existence of God by fans and the author, Life of Pi is brought to the big screen by Ang Lee, a Taiwanese director most famous for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Brokeback Mountain and the divisive Eric Bana Hulk. The story centers on a young Indian boy named Pi (short for Piscine) as he comes of age and explores his spirituality in an Indian zoo. When Pi's father decides to sell his zoo and move the family to Canada, they embark on a Japanese cargo ship that ends with Pi sharing a lifeboat with a bengal tiger named Richard Parker. (Long story) I'll leave the spoilers there, but suffice it to say that Pi struggles to survive and seek rescue for both himself and Richard Parker.
The Good:
- This is a beautifully shot film. Straight up. The shots are all spectacular, and I haven't seen 3D used this effectively since Avatar. 3D is used to expand the space and enhance the beauty of the film rather than as a gimmick or ploy. (Take note, hacks) There are several scenes in the open ocean that are simply breathtaking and truly the type of thing that make film such a valuable and irreplaceable artistic medium. Film, when done right, has all of the beauty and wonder of nature's splendor.. and it's accessible anywhere by anyone. That's amazing. (I know that sounded pretentious but it's goddamn true) Evidently there was a mix of real tigers and CGI used for Richard Parker, and he's as convincing CGI creature as I've ever seen. Really great work.
- The interweaving narrative is extremely effective for progressing through what is often a grim and strange ride. This is really 3 films in one, a family film about growing up on a zoo, a survival tale, and a tale about a story between two adults. The way that Lee interweaves the tale keeps it extremely compelling.
- The acting. Newcomer Suraj Sharma is utterly enthralling as the ever-optimistic and determined titular Pi. Where most anyone would have despaired and given up, Pi endures, and Sharma gives him a wit, intelligence and charm that really serves to flesh out the character. As Pi's skin darkens and he loses weight along with his character.. it's truly convincing. Let's be honest, it wouldn't be any fun to watch a boring dude hang out in a boat with a CGI tiger.. and the film uses several narrative techniques to keep us interested.
- The plot. I wouldn't go so far as to say it serves as proof of God... but it's certainly proof of the value of spirituality, in any of its myriad forms. This is a powerful tale of hope and survival that's well worth telling. I'm sure fans of the book imagined it would border on the impossible to bring this story to life on the big screen but let me tell you that he does it and then some. Without having read the book (yet), I can tell you that Pi's story is emotionally rousing and powerful... and the visuals are simply incredible. Everyone involved should be proud.
The Bad:
- This is a very good, bordering on great film, so there simply won't be a lot here. If I do have to offer some bad, the actors playing adult Pi and the writer simply weren't interesting or compelling. I was much more interested in the story being told than I was with the people who basically serve as narration vessels. Yes, I understand that that's the point - however, surely there could have been some middle ground? It seems odd to have people feature so prominently in your movie and just offer so little.
In all, this is a beautifully shot, well-acted, tremendously made film that deserves all of the accolades it rightfully deserves. If I have to speculate as to why it failed, I'd guess that audiences didn't quite know what to make of it. An often whimsical, heavily spiritual (without being explicitly religious) survival tale featuring an Indian teenager and a bengal tiger? Audiences were likely as confused as I am. This is no preachy kid-fest... this is an emotionally resonant, powerful, rewarding tale of survival and the bond between all things. Richard Parker WILL make you cry.
8.5/10. Having seen 8 of the 9 best picture nominees I'm ranking them as follows: 1. Zero Dark Thirty, 2. Django Unchained, 3. Argo, 4. Life of Pi, 5. Silver Linings Playbook, 6. Lincoln, 7. Les Miserables, 8. Beasts of the Southern Wild. Trying to see Amour before Sunday, 2/24. Y'all will hear about it. See Life of Pi!
