People have probably heard of Marie Curie's name before, but they might not be aware of what she's known for. As a physicist and chemist who pioneered research on radioactivity, her work influenced the research made into deadly weapons and cures for cancer.
It's only fitting that a movie about Curie would be as creative and bombastic as the scientist, but it's simply good not astounding.
Based on the book by Lauren Redniss and directed by Marjane Satrapi, Amazon original film "Radioactive" is an honorable tribute to Marie Curie with Rosamund Pike leading the cast. However, the writing is awkward at times and could've done more to be as interesting as the inspiration.
Radioactive – Official U.S. Trailer | Prime Videowww.youtube.com
At the beginning of the film, Marie Curie (Pike) is dying from aplastic anemia – possibly due to exposure from radiation through her studies. But her story comes fill circle as the rest of the film delves into her legacy, from her love story with French physicist Pierre (Sam Riley), to her Nobel Peace Prize-winning research on radium and polonium.
There are plenty of wonderful elements to this film. The cinematography from Academy Award-winning cinematographer Anthony Dod Mantle is beautiful. There are angles that are fitting for a landscape portrait, and there are creative moments that leave audiences in awe. A dream sequence that edits Marie's struggles with a dancer glowing a bright radium green is astounding. The score from composers and brothers Evgueni and Sacha Galperine has a captivating sci-fi sound, which is a welcome difference when compared to other biopic scores.
The film also does a great job of celebrating Marie Curie without idolizing her. There are plenty of transitions throughout the film that show events in history that are influenced by her studies such as the Chernobyl disaster, a new cure for cancer and the Hiroshima bombing. Although some of the cuts were quick and oddly placed, it was a fascinating way to make viewers think about the consequences of scientific discovery.
But of all those good things, Rosamund Pike is the biggest reason to see this film. Her acting humanizes a historical figure who can be a great influence for young female scientists. Also, her chemistry – no pun intended – with Riley makes the audience root for their romantic relationship and scientific partnership.
It's just a shame that the writing is frequently awkward. Did scientists really "hypothesize" emotions for one another or "theorize" that their actions are misplaced? It's a tiring trope when the movie follows extremely smart characters and reduces the script to words more commonly used when referring to science.
Plus, this movie just doesn't feel extremely different from other period biopics which is disappointing because the trailer feels otherwise. If there were a few scenes edited with as much creativity as the dream sequence, it would've the elevated the movie's vibe.
When all is said and done, "Radioactive" is still worth a watch to honor Marie Curie's achievements and Rosamund Pike's talents.
Score: 7/10.
"Radioactive" is available exclusively on Amazon Prime starting Friday, July 24.
Contact Samantha Incorvaia on Twitter at @_SamI520.
