The Fall

Not just a movie. Art. Beauty and emotion, a perfect marriage of photographic quality and music. Actors with spontaneous talent. A man scheming his own death is carried along the dreams he shares with a child, and onto the path of rebirth. Simply stunning.

Spike jonze and David Fincher made a wise decision in backing The Fall. It is beautiful, to say the least. Yes it is visually stunning, but it is the tragedy that makes it gorgeous.

I have been wanting to review the Fall for months now, but have avoided the task because sometimes it is impossible to capture an emotion or feeling on the page. Especially one so special. I had the same experience when watching Pan's Labyrinth. I didn't review that one either. They would be great ones to watch back to back.

Let me give this a shot.

The Fall is captivating. It dances around a mystery then plunges you in so deep that you squirm in your seat. I won't say too much, of little I will reveal, because spoilage is an issue that I want to avoid like the plague in this case. Other reviewers have felt ablidged to reveal plot points and such, but I won't even go that far.

I am like that friend that you ask, "Have you seen any good movies lately?" I say, "Sure have. The Fall. Its one of the best movies I have ever seen. It takes me back to my childhood, when movies seemed real. Like riding a luckdragon..." You say, "Surely it ain't that good." I say, "Yeah, it is. If you are into fantasy. Yeah, its a little sad, but in the end it is so cool that... Well, its the first movie in years (besides the Dark Knight) that I immediately wanted to watch again when the credits rolled." You say, "It CANT be THAT good...". I say, "Fo shizzle Dizzle..."

Anyway, it is in my top 3 for this year. It is in to top 100 of my lifetime. The Fall is so good, so original, so liberating, that I feel you too will be glad you bought it. This isn't one for Netflix. This is one to keep forever. ~saos~
__

Side Note: Yes, it is in English. Yes, the Blu sparkles. Yes, the sound is fantastic. Yes, you will be showing of your 1080p HD-TV with this disc.

Side Fact: Tarsem's last movie was "The Cell" which was dark and brooding, but also visually stunning.

There isn't much I can add to the many positive reviews here by way of recapping the plot, so I will only comment upon the sheer beauty of this wonderful, unusual film. You simply must see it on Blu-ray, on as large a screen as possible*. I was mesmerized by it. Add to the stunning visuals the thoroughly heartwarming performance of little Catinca Untaru, and you have one of the most charming, yet mind-blowing, films I've ever seen.

*I had the pleasure of watching it thusly on my Model C 106 HDtv format Mw Manual Pull Down Screen via my PlayStation 3 80GB and Panasonic PT-AE900U Home Theater Projector -- a hi-def video setup that cost me under $2k. You will, of course, still need to spring for an appropriate audio setup.

The Fall is a visually stunning movie with the charm and wonder of a fairy tale. The cinematography is amazing, and the cast is excellent. The story is simple but the subtle wit and wonderful visuals really make up for it. I highly recommend this movie!

The pure imagination in the storytelling, acting and cinematography gripped me like not many movies do. This is my new favorite film. I highly recommend it.