By TRENTON JUDD & NATALIE SACKET
Columnists
Trenton: 5 out of 5
Get that man an Oscar! The man I’m referring to is, of course, Leonardo DiCaprio, the protagonist of “The Revenant.” The movie is an excellent combination of the classic revenge story mixed with the man-versus-wild story, but the stakes are raised higher and the satisfaction is so much sweeter. DiCaprio plays Hugh Glass, a member of a team of fur traders. Hugh and his son, Hawk, played by Forrest Goodluck, are part of a team of fur traders who are trying to earn a paycheck while attempting to survive the winter elements. DiCaprio’s performance is Oscar-worthy because he utilized a lot of nonverbal and physical communication.
Even though DiCaprio gave an incredible performance, I would say he is not the star of the film. The true star of this film would have to be the cinematography. Every shot was able to tell you the story without having to rely on dialogue or actions. Within the first 10 minutes of the film, I witnessed some of the best tracking shots that I’ve seen in recent years. The musical score was hauntingly beautiful and it captured the tone and feeling of each scene utilizing simple, but very somber sounding stringed instruments that kept me on the edge of my seat. This film has everything audiences look for. This film has action, adventure, mystery, and an incredible story that will keep you glued to your seat. I would highly recommend that you see “The Revenant.” When it comes to making a great film it has certainly raised the bar.
With its 12 Academy Award nominations, “The Revenant” doesn’t need me to speak on behalf of its awesomeness, but I’m going to do so anyway, because it truly is an amazing movie.
“The Revenant,” meaning a man who has returned from death, is an epic survival tale of legendary explorer, Hugh Glass (Leonardo DiCaprio). This film is a wonderful film filled with adventure, drama and gore, so you might want to be careful if you’re watching it on a full stomach. (I mean, the poor guy gets attacked by a grizzly bear and sleeps inside of a dead horse, so be prepared for blood and guts.
Also prepare to become 100 percent invested in this film. It cannot even be described as an emotional roller coaster.. more of an emotional free-fall. Your heart will break for Glass as many times as he breaks a bone.
I have to agree with Trenton on this: Give the man an Oscar! DiCaprio does so much in a movie lacking dialogue, conveying strong emotions with just facial and body language. That is a true actor. As stated in the movie, “The wind cannot defeat a tree with strong roots,” so too can DiCaprio’s performance not be defeated at the 2016 Oscars.
Tom Hardy also does a fantastic job as the movie’s primary antagonist (aside from nature).
Speaking of nature, the scenery of this movie is the true star of this film. Alejandro G. Iñárritu creating an absolutely stunning film, one worthy of its numerous nominations.
Bottom Line: This is a beautiful, yet gruesome film, one definitely worth viewing.