When discussing cinema, we look for the a great many aspects that can constitute a great film. Casting, cinematography, character development, plot, etc. But through the combination of all of those facets of film, what we really search for in cinema, as we do in all art, is to be moved. We want to feel something when we leave the theater, whether it’s a revelation, an understanding, or an appreciation; whatever the case may be, we want to feel like the film had an impact on us as viewers and critics. "The Revenant" has surpassed every expectation of these requirements. Directed by the visionary, Alejandro Iñárritu, this film carried the weight of a two-ton bear on your chest. Set in the snowy desolation of the American wilderness, this film takes you through the triumph of the human spirit that is Hugh Glass’ (Leonardo DiCaprio) journey to survive against all odds. Through the careful direction of Iñárritu as well as the powerhouse performances by both DiCaprio and Tom Hardy, "The Revenant" shows viewers the harsh reality of indigenous tension and animosity as well as a new insight into the power of the human body and mind to persevere to the bitter end.
Firstly, on the note of the cinematography, wow. Just wow. After Iñnáritu’s award winning "Birdman," there was a very high bar set for the prolific director’s latest work, and he did not disappoint. With the help of his film editing crew and his Director of Photography, Iñnáritu has created an artistic masterpiece, capturing the immense beauty of the American frontier as well as the harsh, unforgiving wasteland that the beautiful landscape also inflicts on man and beast alike. Iñnáritu has a way of creating cinema that we can get lost in, where we just stare off into the screen and really feel the cold wind blowing against us, or the stillness of it all. It takes a true master to convey that physical feeling through the camera lens, and Iñnáritu has definitely displayed his mastery of this art.
Moving onto the performances, I think it’s fair to say that brilliance was almost guaranteed when two incredible actors are put on screen together. DiCaprio and Hardy are pitted against each other after Hardy’s horrific betrayal of DiCaprio, launching the plot into a full-scale quest for cold-blooded vengeance. DiCaprio and Hardy share a chemistry similar to that of an explosion right before the first spark ignites; a tension that grips you entirely and pulls you right to the edge of your seat. The actors have met before, sharing a blockbuster performance in Christopher Nolan’s Inception, where the two actors portrayed allies, but honestly, I prefer the two as nemeses. Conveyed in so few words, you can feel the pure, unadulterated hatred in DiCaprio’s eyes as he relentlessly peruses Hardy in this tale of survival. Without spoiling the ending or any of the gruesome details, I will say that these actors were meant to be paired together as these characters, and they were meant to be left in the masterful hands of Iñnáritu for this project.
At the end of the day, this film is a story about the triumph of the human spirit, and oh, how it has triumphed through the work of these incredible artists. This film moves you in the strongest way possible; it makes you remember that you are strong, that we are all capable of surmounting the greatest of odds in this life. I highly recommend "The Revenant" to all those who appreciate the art that goes into making a great film, because this one of those movies that showcase that tireless effort and hard work better than many others. Final notes: definitely see this movie in theaters or in a seriously powerful home theater, trust me, it’s worth every dime. Secondly, this movie features scenes that are definitely not for the faint of heart. Be forewarned.
